More activities are on offer at Bridport Youth and Community Centre (BYCC) for children under 5.

The community centre on Gundry Lane has expanded the list of activities it offers children under 5 during their Stay and Play sessions that take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am-11.30am.

Even more fun is to be had with messy play, trays of pasta with trucks and diggers, and a special safe area for the babies, there is also a large variety of mini cars and bikes, that can be pedalled around by the energetic youngsters.

Volunteers Louise Perry and Mary Haggett manage the event with ‘lots of family help.’

Ms Haggett said: “This term we've been focusing more on the baby area and having more messy play for the children, the messy play will help the children develop their skills and their opportunity to play collectively.

“The baby area means that people with babies under six months can come confidently, and let their children start to socialise and be in a room with other children in a safe environment.”

Michelle Muggeridge who attends the group with her two-year-old son Oscar said: “It's a fabulous little group and it's particularly good for new mums.

“I came when he was a baby and I met a lot of other new mums, so I made friends and now we socialize. At first my son was very clingy like many other Covid babies but coming here has helped him gain some confidence and he plays happily with the other children.”

The Board of Bridport Youth and Community centre would like to extend their gratitude to all the volunteers who make this important resource for new mothers and their children available at such a reasonable rate.

Margie Barbour, Secretary of the Trustees said, "It is such a joy to pop in and see all the children, either together or on their own, playing creatively, and the parents having a chance to exchange news and share their parenting worries and parenting tips."

Entrance is £1 per person and is free for children under six months, with free coffee, tea and biscuits on offer for parents and carers, and free fruit snacks available for kids every day.

For more information contact the centre on 07711 293079 or email Bridportycc@gmail.com