A Royston pre-school which was set up to help address a shortage of playgroups in the town is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Papillon Playgroup in Jepps Lane was founded after Anne Walls and Carrie Page decided they wanted to break away from the mould and lead their own group for children.

Anne said: “We thought: why don’t we set one up? We were able to do it our way, which is a bit different.

“I set up the group with Carrie – who has since left to lead a playgroup in Stevenage – as I’m passionate about children.

“They learn so much through play.

“It’s about much more than learning to count, it’s about learning how to connect with other people and about socialising.

“If they can be comfortable in pre-schools then they will be better equipped in the future.”