MUMS and toddlers on Oxford’s largest estate have celebrated the first birthday of their playgroup.

The Mums and Tots group meets every Thursday at the Holy Family Church Hall in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys.

Mother-of-two Katie Gamble originally set up the sessions for teenage mothers, but from January last year she relaunched the group to cater for mums of all ages in a bid to boost numbers.

This week they celebrated the milestone with cake and balloons. Run jointly by the Leys Youth Programme and Leys Community Church, about a dozen mums pop along to the friendly sessions each week.

Children play with toys, do craft activities, sing and read stories. Snacks and drinks are provided for the children and cups of tea for the mums.

Mrs Gamble, mother to Daniel, two, and Rachel, three, said: “It’s a place where they can go and be with their children and where you can have five minutes’ conversation while the kids are playing.”

Mother-of-one Michelle Sutherland, 20, pictured, of Warburg Crescent, Blackbird Leys, said: “You get to meet new people and mums your age.

“I didn’t know any young mums until I went along.

“My son Josh goes to nursery now but I still come along and help out.”

The group runs every Thursday from 10am to 11.30am. It is free to attend.

For more information, call Mrs Gamble on 01865 427075 or turn up on the day.