A GROUP which has helped to give dozens of village children a great start in life is celebrating its 30th anniversary on November 24.

Bridestowe, Lydford and Sourton Pre School is extending its invitation to a evening of entertainment in Sourton Village Hall to all past pupils.

In 1971, the vicar of Bridestowe at the time Chris Hughes, his wife Jem and a handful of parents started up the playgroup and it has continued to go from strength to strength thanks to the hard working team at its core.

One of the founder members Helen Alford, who was secretary for five years, explained it was quite a radical idea 30 years ago: 'There were not many playgroups around and some parents were dead against it. They thought children should be cared for at home before going to primary school.

'It was not so much about providing childcare for parents who both worked but giving children the benefits of meeting others.'

Mrs Alford said children who had been to the playgroup were much more confident and the experience had set them up well for primary school — this became even more evident when the group moved to the Bridestowe Primary School site from Sourton Village Hall.

Operating from a mobile classroom on site, the children have access to the school grounds, nature area and swimming pool.

The playgroup now runs four sessions a week, with 19 children on the books and 15 more attending a spin-off toddler session.

Playgroup leader of the last 25 years Cynthia Lavis, who used to teach infants at Bridestowe Primary School, said the main change was the amount of rules and regulations.

'There were no rules 30 years ago but now we have OFSTED and Social Services and we have to reach a certain standard in terms of facilities and equipment,' she said. 'This sort of thing can put pressure on a playgroup but we have a very hardworking team of parents who are wonderful and we have received money from the likes of Okehampton Lions and Rotary Club and the Lottery.'

As always the emphasis is on play despite pressures to educate children at a younger and younger age.

'I have always worked on the principle that you take children as far as they want to go,' added Mrs Lavis. 'If children are playing and enjoying doing something they will learn far more.'

The anniversary event also doubles as a fundraiser on November 24 and includes a supper, live entertainment and an auction. Tickets are available from the Riverside Stores in Bridestowe or on 01837 861285.