AN ANGRY York mother, who claims her five-year-old daughter lost consciousness after falling off an unsupervised bouncy castle at a York funfair, has hit out at its organisers.

Jade Mason, of Bramham Road, Chapelfields, had been enjoying the half-term YorkFest at Knavesmire on Saturday, with her parents, Tracey Mason and Jason Lund.

Jade, who had been looking forward to visiting YorkFest all week, went to play on a bouncy castle while her parents bought burgers.

But her parents say that as she tried to get off, Jade fell over an inflatable barrier and banged her head on wooden flooring - knocking herself unconscious.

A spokeswoman for YorkFest said there was a notice at the bouncy castle, warning people that it was unsupervised, but mats would now be installed there.

Tracey, 24, said: "She went to hold on to the barrier thinking she could get down, but she went flying over it. She screamed for a moment then passed out in pain. Jason ran over to pick her up and she went limp in his arms.

"We took her straight home, but she kept falling asleep in the car so NHS Direct sent an ambulance to check her over. I've never seen a child pass out before, it was terrifying."

The 11-day YorkFest has been hailed by its organisers as offering "more fun than you have ever had."

Visitors can enjoy fairground rides, live stage acts, quad bikes, helicopter pleasure flights and appearances from Bob The Builder, Scooby Doo and the British Federation Wrestlers.

But Tracey said her daughter's fun had been spoiled by her accident.

"There were no mats down and nobody supervising it at all," she said. "It was dangerous. I won't be taking Jade back again. She's already said she doesn't want a bouncy castle at her birthday party this year; it seems to have really put her off.

"Other parents should think twice before they let their children go on it."

YorkFest organiser Alex Graham said a notice had been put up next to the bouncy castle warning parents that it was unsupervised.

She said: "It's just something for the kids to do while their parents are eating.

"We will be putting mats down at the bouncy castle. We wouldn't like anything else to happen.

"I wanted to get an ambulance, but (Jade's) parents insisted on taking her to hospital.

"I'm really sorry that the little girl hurt herself. I just hope it doesn't happen again."

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, June 01, 2004