NEWPORT County AFC fans both young and old enjoyed a family fun day at Rodney Parade over the weekend.

Ahead of County’s clash with Exeter City on Saturday, parents soaked up the pre-match atmosphere whilst children enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon animals and a range of other activities.

The match marked the first game for the club under the ownership of Newport Supporters Trust as they began a new era in the club's history.

Gareth Marshman, a Trust board member and responsible for the community side of the club, said they wanted to provide something for all their fans in the build up to each game.

He added that the fun day, which ran from midday until kickoff, had been a huge success and was just the start of something new.

“There’s been a constant flow of people coming in and there’s a real buzz around the place,” he said.

“It feels like the first game of the season and doesn’t feel like we’re bottom of the league.”

At half time there was also due to be a penalty shoot-out between Newport County Supporters Trust and Exeter City Supporters Trust members.

Lisa Savage, a Trust board member and responsible for fan engagement, said: “Some of the feedback we had from fans was that there wasn’t much of an atmosphere before games, as they just turned up and left afterwards.

“We wanted people to come here earlier to soak up the atmosphere and try and create that type of excitement.”

Mr Marshman added: “This is just the start. It’s like a celebration of getting the money raised to progress the takeover. This is something we will be looking to do for the majority of home games, weather permitting.”

He added: “It’s all about getting that family experience and getting the kids involved as they are the future of the club."