A LOCAL playgroup is celebrating four decades of looking after little ones.

Clarbeston Road and District Playgroup and Toddlers was set up in 1974, and cares for children aged from two to four in a unit at the village’s Memorial Hall.

Staff have come and gone over the last 40 years, but the current team – Carol Adams, Hayley Mills and Caroline Partridge - has been in place for almost half that time.

“We’ve been here for 17 years, providing quality care and education. We may be the longest serving members, but we’re not sure!” laughed Carol. “I would love to think we can carry on for another 40 years, because the children get so much out of it.”

The playgroup is regularly inspected by CSSIW, Estyn and Wales PPA, and has undertaken the latter’s Quality of Care award. Children travel from as far away as Robeston Wathen and Maenclochog to attend, and yearly intakes range from 12 to 25 youngsters.

Having worked with little people for so long, it’s no surprise Carol has many stories to tell.

“There are quite a few we still have a giggle about,” she said. “We have a lot of children from farming backgrounds, and we had one little boy who didn’t know his colours, but could tell you the make of tractor that used them. If you showed him blue, he’d say “Ford”. For red, he’d say “Massey Ferguson”. Green was “John Deere”! Another boy would always say “I’m not a professional, you know” whenever anyone asked him to do something! I just love all the children, and their different personalities.”

A Celebration Dance to mark the anniversary will take place at the Hall on Saturday, September 13. Tickets are still available.

The playgroup runs Monday to Thursday, from 9.15am to noon, and costs £6 per session. For more information, call 07814 941105 or e-mail clarbestonroadpg@btinternet.com