THE staff and committee of Ross Preschool Playgroup joined children and parents, old and new, and founder Joyce Thomas, at the Larruperz Centre on Saturday, October 9th to celebrate the playgroup's 40th birthday.

Joyce thanked everyone for coming and asked Ross Town Mayor Jo Lane to declare the party open. Jo persuaded everyone to sing Happy Birthday to the preschool in celebration of the wonderful occasion.

The playgroup rooms and playground were decorated with attractive banners made by the children with their handprints.

With tasty refreshments and a chance to reminisce over old pictures there was a very happy atmosphere and everyone enjoyed a piece of the beautiful birthday cake made by Sue Kirby. A bottle of champagne was presented to Wendy Brann as she was the person at the party who had attended the playgroup the longest time ago.

Joyce said she was very proud of the contribution the playgroup has made to the community, she thanked Vicki Page and her staff for their efforts.

Iris Price added that although the party had not been arranged as a fundraiser £165 had been donated to playgroup funds, which would be put towards a new photocopier as theirs had just broken down.