CHILDREN in Clifton-upon-Teme will be celebrating the first birthday of their Early Years Centre with a party and balloon race on Saturday.

The £120,000 centre, which opened its doors for the first time at the end of January last year, now has 60 children on the register and more on a waiting list.

Manager Sandra Sharratt, who now heads a staff of 12, said: "We are lucky to have such a dedicated team of people looking after the children. Morale is high and I'm sure this rubs off on the children and we have planned the party to give everyone a chance to celebrate our successful first year."

Hilary Higton, chairman of the management team, and other trustees won a £1,000 award last year for being one of the West Midlands Co-operative Social Entrepreneurs.

She said: "I am delighted with the facility we have at Clifton-on-Teme. It's been a challenging year for us, but seeing how happy the children are makes it all worthwhile."

For details contact Hilary Higton on 01886 812229 or Sandra Sharratt on 01886 812380.