DETERMINED mums who took over a Warndon toddler group when its old home was forced to close have set up again in the community centre.

The parent-toddler group used to be held at and run by the Warndon Family Centre until the centre closed down in February and the group had to move on.

Parents took it upon themselves to take over the group, now called Little Monsters.

"This is the only parent-toddler group in old Warndon," said mum-of-two Tracey Jones, of Saddler's Walk, Warndon, who founded the group along with Leanne Jones, June Urosevic and Bianca Lewis.

"It's been very hard work."

So far, the group has 31 children on the register, but hopes to expand.

"All the money we charge goes into the group's account to buy toys and paint and things as well as organising fun days and day trips," said temporary centre manager Sian Gray.

Miss Jones said plans for the future included story time with a local librarian and a session to teach both children and parents about road safety.

Activities

Last week, the group began meeting at the centre on Shap Drive.

It hopes to meet three times a week on Monday and Friday between 1pm and 2.30pm and Wednesday between 10am and 11.30am.

But the parent-toddler group is only one of the new activities at the centre.

"People often complain that there isn't anything to do, but we have loads going on here," said Miss Gray.

As well as the community caf, bingo, line dancing, Ju Jitsu and a dance group for under 11s, the centre is also planning to open an gentle exercise class for over 60s called Extend.

"Not all the sheltered accommodations have recreation rooms, so we'd like to organise a minibus to pick people up and hold the classes here," said Miss Gray, aged 23, of St John's.

The community centre is also planning to mark the Golden Jubilee with its own celebration in the neighbouring field on Monday, June 3.

Residents can have their say on what should be at the celebration at a meeting at 11am tomorrow at the community centre.

For further details about the parent and toddler group, contact either 07803 801698 or 07715 266048, and for information about the community centre, call 01905 457357.