MUMS and toddlers in Broadway have celebrated their good fortune at an open day after scooping nearly £1,700 in grants.

Twenty-seven mothers and their youngsters had fun with all the new toys and equipment, and Welephant, Broadway firefighters' former mascot. He came out of retirement to entertain the children and hand out balloons and fire safety leaflets to their parents.

Peek-a-Boo play school chairperson Sue Witts said: "It was an absolutely brilliant morning. Quite a few visitors came, including the chairman of Wychavon District Council, John Smith, and our county councillor, Liz Eyre."

Mrs Witts said the toddler group had received £1,424 from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme and £252 from Wychavon District Council.

She said: "We bought equipment for a baby area with horse shoe cushion and rattles, a boisterous area, with climbing frame and crash mats and a role play area with a pop up shop and baby buggies with our money from Awards for All.

"With Wychavon's grant we bought equipment for a quiet area including floor cushions."

Mrs Witts said she had about 39 mothers on the books, whose youngsters attended most Tuesdays between 9.30 to 11 am at the Lifford Hall in Broadway.

She said more toddlers and babies were welcome. Contact her on 01386 852582 for further details.