PLAYGROUP pupils and leaders from the past 30 years were in a party mood on Friday as they gathered to mark a special birthday.

Lymm Village Playgroup first met in 1972 and it held a tea party 30 years on as a celebration of its remarkable staying power.

The playgroup was the brainchild of Sue Latham, Isabelle Roberts and Angela Coates (recently semi-retired from the St Rocco's shop), who thought that they would see what the demand would be for pre-school provision.

And the demand was overwhelming as the playgroup soon mushroomed from just one day a week to currently opening every weekday morning from 9.15am until noon.

Some previous staff members and people who had gone to the playgroup as youngsters were in attendance at the party, as was Denis Thomason, chairman of Lymm Parish Council, who unveiled a plaque at the Village Hall, where the playgroup meets, to mark the occasion.

Current leader Alison Spencer was at the event, as was the longest-serving member of staff, Val Wilson.

If you are interested in signing up for the playgroup, contact Julie Benson on 753966.