Shiver me timbers! It be 20 years since the opening of an "invaluable" Gedling playgroup, which invited a pirate entertainer to celebrate its anniversary.
Dozens of young mateys sang nursery rhymes and had balloons made for them at All Hallows Parent and Toddler Group's celebrations at its Memorial Hall base in Main Street on Tuesday morning.
Former volunteers joined current organisers Sara Grimbley and Vicky Dukes at the party, which also featured parachute games, a treasure hunt and raffle.
Mum-of-two Leanne Smith brings her son Michael, three, to the group from East Bridgford every Tuesday.
She said: "It's been absolutely lovely to celebrate 20 years of the group. The pirate entertainer has made Michael a balloon sword, which he loves and they've been doing some games to keep them entertained."
Leanne drives 25 minutes from her home in Croft Rise to bring Michael along now her five-year-old daughter Sophia has moved on to school at St Peter's Primary in East Bridgford.
"We've tried loads of different playgroups," said Leanne. "But this one is the best. The kids love it because they've got lots of great toys and all the parents are really friendly."
Childminder Jo Fisher, of St Austin's Drive, Gedling, brings three children to the weekly sessions after her own daughter Lola, five, went to All Hallows.
"It's an invaluable resource for the community and deserves its recognition," said Jo, 37.
"The kids have great fun. There are toys for all different age groups, with slides and balls for the older ones to rattles and touchy-feely toys for the little ones.
"I bring the children here to help them socialise with others their age, which is crucial to their development."
Jo praised the work of Sara and Vicky, who she said are always quick to offer support with any parenting problems or issues that mums and dads run into.
"There are a lot of young parents and there is always that level of support. It's like a whole little community," said Jo.
Sara Grimbley said the group welcomes upwards of 30 young children up to the age of five each week from 9.30am to 11am.
"It's been really good fun to celebrate the 20th year like this. There's fun and games and crafts for the children with party food to keep their stomach's happy.
"It's always well attended and was always a busy playgroup over the years. We've also loved having some of the ex-volunteers back with us today to celebrate."
