Children replaced cars when a section of a Forest Gate road was closed for Newham’s first ever “playstreet”.

About 160 people headed down to Tyleny Road on Sunday to take part in old fashioned games such as hopscotch and skipping, free from traffic.

Newham NCT chair Kelly Drake, who was among those who organised the event, said: “It was a marvellous day and the children had an absolutely fantastic time.

“It was very local, with everyone from within about a five street radius. It was lovely to see the kids out there without fear of cars.

“Older people commented how fantastic it was to have children playing in the streets like they used to and neighbours and residents were also very positive.”

Newham Council provided a Get the Party Started Grant to contribute towards the cost.

The parents who organised the playstreet plan to liaise with the council in the hope of making it a regular event.