BUCKLAND Monachorum Pre-school held an open day recently, for parents and children to experience what the playgroup has to offer.

The morning gave children the chance to take part in various activities including tie-dying, story telling and parachute games.

Play leader Marion Maxwell said: 'Everyone seemed to be very pleased with how the open morning went.

'The children played with the bikes and cars and we invited them to join in story time with the current children.

'They took part in tie-dying and even an 18-month-old had a go. We had a really good response from it.'

The 'choosing trolley' proved popular among the children.

Marion said: 'The children seemed to love the choosing trolley. It aims to give children the initiative to help themselves to what they want to play with, which is good for shy children who may want to play with dolls but are too shy to ask an adult.'

The playgroup is run by a parent committee in Buckland Monachorum Village Hall. It is led by Marion Maxwell, deputy play leader Shirley Dunstan, assistant play leaders Nichola Williams and Katherine Carrick and one-to-one helper Lisa Poulter, who looks after the children with special educational needs.

Children attending the pre-school have access to all early years learning tools and a variety of activities to keep them busy.

Parents who would like to visit the playgroup with their children are welcome to attend a free taster session anytime during open hours.

The playgroup takes place on Mondays 9am to noon, or 1pm for children staying for lunch, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.15am to 11.45am, and Wednesdays and Fridays 9.15 to 11.45am or 12.45 if staying for lunch.

For more information contact Marion Maxwell on 01822 854870.