Tots have a ball at beach party

PUFFIN Pre-school celebrated its 25th birthday with a summer beach-themed party at Foakes Hall in Dunmow on Friday. Pupils, parents and staff wore garlands of flowers and donned beach-wear as they were entertained by children s entertainer Potty Patrick w

PUFFIN Pre-school celebrated its 25th birthday with a summer beach-themed party at Foakes Hall in Dunmow on Friday.

Pupils, parents and staff wore garlands of flowers and donned beach-wear as they were entertained by children's entertainer Potty Patrick who led the children in singing and performed magic tricks.

Louise Lavery, chairman of Puffin Pre-school, said: "We had about 100 people there. The children were very excited and had great fun. It was a very noisy occasion; Noisy, but tons of fun."

A giant cake decorated with with the pre-school's logo was baked for the occasion and everyone got a slice to enjoy along with a picnic-style lunch.

The day was made extra special following a £200 grant from the Mayor's Community Fund. A big dolls house, aeroplanes and rockets were bought with the funds.

"This money is gratefully received and means a lot to us," said Mrs Lavery. "I'd like to say a big thank you to the people at the mayor's fund. We needed new toys as the old ones are old, tatty or broken."

The pre-school takes children aged from two to four. Parents wishing to take their children there should telephone 07712858878.