PARENTS and their little ones got themselves into a right old mess at nursery in preparation for Christmas.

Gibshill Children's Centre is a hive of activity just now with all sorts of festive frolics, including the popular annual craft day.

The Tele visited to see Santa's little elves - and big ones too - hard at work creating everything from cards and decorations to holly wreaths and candle jars - all with a special Christmas sparkle.

It was well-attended by parents and grandparents, who rolled up their sleeves to help the youngsters get crafty.

Janine Burns, Gibshill head of centre, said: "There was a lot of glitter!

"It's great to see parents and grandparents getting involved.

"We got lots of really good comments about how much fun it was and how much they like to come into the nursery and do things with their children and get messy.

"It was lovely."

Events at the east end nursery are regularly packed out with adults keen to join in the fun with their children, much to the delight of Janine and her team.

She said: "A lot of that is down to the parents themselves with how well they support us and the relationship we have with them. "We have an open door policy here which parents, I think, appreciate.

"It's down to them as well as the staff here because if they didn't come in then we wouldn't be able to do things like this."