YOUNGSTERS at a Southampton shopping centre were in for a traditional treat when a Punch and Judy show came to town.

Glyn and Mary Edwards brought their puppets to the Marlands centre and had scores of children in stitches with their slapstick antics.

The couple - who have been performing together for 52 years - do shows along the south coast with their puppets and comedy routine.

And although there was a brief spell of political correctness when the style of the show went out of favour Mary said it never really went out of fashion. She said: “It was criticised for being violent. But the kids know it’s slapstick and it’s not real - and they just get so involved. They love it.”

There was even a beach with real sand, buckets and spades and a beach ball to bring the seaside to the city.

The free family friendly activities run every Friday through the school holidays at the city centre shopping mall.