A PLAYGROUP is to celebrate half a century providing much-needed care and education for little ones.

Beaminster Playgroup is to hold a fun day to mark its 50th anniversary.

Manager Mandy Broster said: "I am excited and proud to have taken over as manager at Beaminster Playgroup as we celebrate our 50th year. Facilities like ours are vitally important to working parents, providing much-needed care and education from two years until it’s time to start school. I think the fact that we’ve been around for half a century really goes to show just how much we are valued by our community.

"As well as our current little ones, there are so many generations of people locally who have fond memories of Beaminster Playgroup and who have supported us over the years. I want to thank everyone who has been a part of our history and welcome those whose children will share our future."

Beaminster Playgroup's Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday from 11am, to 3pm at St Mary’s Gardens, Beaminster.

All are welcome to join for an afternoon of entertainment, fun and games.

All money raised will be used to support the playgroup, which is a registered charity.