IT was a jamboree with a difference. The Rose Road Association, which has been one of Southampton's most notable charities for more than 50 years, held its first family fun day at its new home.

Despite the squally showers that swept over the association's new £4.75m purpose-built premises at the Bradbury Centre in Aldermoor Road, there was no doubting the sense of happiness and achievement of the occasion.

The fun-packed day, held on Saturday, swept away the anguish of an arson attack, which destroyed part of the new building just weeks before it was due to be unveiled and delayed the official opening by several months.

As well as raising funds for profoundly disabled children, the day offered the entertainment of a traditional British fete with stalls, morris dancing and a Victorian melodrama from the Maskers Theatre.

And to help give the occasion an international feel, there was vibrant music from a Caribbean steel band, which complemented a parade of children in national costumes.

Also, there were rides for youngsters in a specially built train.

The new centre was built to replace the cramped conditions at the charity's former home in Portswood. No one was prosecuted over the arson attack.

The event's co-ordinator, Angela Stansbridge, was delighted at its success.

She said: "Every-one has been so generous. When we were in Rose Road itself, the premises was so small and restrictive in what we could do.

"But today has given us the wonderful opportunity to throw open our doors and show the community what Rose Road is and what Rose Road does,'' she added.