EVERYONE loves a birthday party so when Treetop Manchester turned one at the weekend, it was a celebration we couldn't miss.

My children have already enjoyed the Treetop Trek course and jumped at the chance to try out the nets — in effect, treetop trampolines.

There was plenty to do up in the trees, but the celebrations were in full swing on the ground as well, with face painting, crafts, balloons and plenty of bubbles . . . every child's favourite!

We wasted no time getting straight into the nets with a variety of "rooms" to choose from, including football — in keeping with the World Cup — and a tree house in the middle where you could catch your breath.

It is also a good spot to keep an eye on the youngsters, who seem to fly around the nets like greyhounds.

My favourite part was the slides. They are made of rope and you hop into a nylon sack before sliding down. Very simple, very clever and lots of fun.

Treetop Trek launched its award-winning site in the Lake District in 2012 and opened in Heaton Park’s native English woodland last year.

The Zip Trek has 38 treetop challenges including balance bars, swinging logs and Indiana bridges, along with 15 zip lines.

Treetop Nets boasts giant trampolines suspended high in the trees, super-fast slides and treehouses to explore and is suitable for everyone from the age of three.

Since it opened last year, more than 22,000 people of all ages have explored the high trees and the site is popular for birthday parties.

Mike Turner, managing director of Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets, said: “It’s been an amazing first year and so we wanted to celebrate it in style. Our reviews speak for themselves and we are really proud of our team at Heaton Park.

"We are grateful to everyone who has been to the attraction and to say thank you for their support, what better way to celebrate than with a party in the trees?”

Treetop Trek costs from £18 for an hour of fun on the Mini Trek and from £24 for a two-hour Zip Trek.

Treetop Nets costs £13 for children aged three to four and £20 for those over the age of five for up to two hours of bouncing.

Visit treetoptrek.co.uk or treetopnets.co.uk or call 015394 47186.