GLOWING smiles graced Woodford Park last week when children got their hands on an assortment of toys.

Parents, grandparents and childminders brought along more than forty children to the Lend and Play Toy Library's first ever 'Playday' on August 5.

Toddlers and children practised their basketball skills, bounced on the Happy Hopperz, crawled through tunnels and built with waffle blocks and soft play blocks.

Liza Alexander, a childminder who went along on the day, said it was a fantastic idea.

Liza, of Lower Earley, said: "All the children were soon happily trying the toys. Mine particularly liked the wooden activity block, pipes and balls and the waffles."

The day was organised to encourage local families to get out and about with their young ones, and coincided with the National Playday, which celebrates children's right to play.

Debbie Reeves, Toy Library Co-ordinator, said: "It was great to see the children playing with the small selection of toys we provided and we received lots of positive feedback, which was great.

"We also signed up some new members and have seen a lot more people coming into the toy library to see what else we have on offer.”

“We would like to thank all the volunteers who made this happen as well as Marks and Spencers in Woodley for donating soft drinks and for Steffi Cousins Photography for recording the event.”

The Lend and Play Toy Library is open every Wednesday from 2.30pm until 8pm and Saturday from 10am to 12 noon.