CELEBRATIONS marking the third anniversary of a Wirral beauty spot's opening will be held this weekend. 

Port Sunlight River Park opened in 2014 and will mark its milestone with a special event on August 13.

Taking place from 12-4 that day, it features a range of stalls and things to do for all the family including autism friendly activities.

Visitors will have a chance to get up close to birds of prey and there will be entertainment by the Beethovens, a band featuring users of Wirral charity Autism Together, which manage the park's day-to-day running.

The park occupies a site that was used for landfill from 1991 to 2006 and later re-developed, at a cost of £2.3m, by the Land Trust.

It now features wildflower meadows, grasslands and picturesque views of Liverpool’s skyline. 

Since opening, its park volunteers have worked tirelessly, holding anniversary celebrations both last year and this year. It has won and been nominated for a number of awards.

The birthday picnic has been organised by the Friends of Port Sunlight River Park in partnership with Autism Together and the Ranger, Anne Litherland.

Robin Bush, Chief executive of Autism Together will cut the celebratory birthday cake at 12.30pm.

Family activities will include the supervised play zone, face painting and nature hunt treasure trail – a great way to learn and discover all areas of the park, and for the first time, Chester Zoo Wildlife Connections will be attending.

Looking forward to the event, Alison Kelly from the Friends of Port Sunlight River Park said: "I am delighted that we have been able to grow the event providing more attractions but keeping the wildlife theme.

"The volunteers work hard before during and after the event to make it fun, relaxed, safe and family friendly.

"We are also grateful to the Bebington Sea Cadets for providing their First Aid support".

Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, who officially opened the park in August 2014. said: "It's been almost three years since the park was opened to the public and since then the park has developed into a beautiful community space with activities and events for everyone.

"It's great to see Autism Together joining with the Friends of Port Sunlight River Park for this event.

"Since the park opened it has had strong and beneficial links with Autism Together so this is a chance to also celebrate that relationship.

"Every year volunteers work hard to put on this event for the good of the community and it’s always a nice and fun day out."

She added: "It's an exciting time for the park with plans for a visitor centre now in progress which all visitors to the park will benefit from."