Grateful toddlers were all smiles when they said a big "thank you" to their mums in time for Mother's Day yesterday.

The tots, who all go to the Fairview under-fives playgroup in the Pavilion in Fairview Park, Rayleigh, made cakes and gave presents to their mothers.

They also invited them along to their playgroup for a special thank you tea party.

The chairman of Fairview under-fives, Jo Gridley, said: "This playgroup is run by parents for parents.

"The children made all the cakes and companies such as Woolworths, Danmark and Tesco, plus the Hungry Horse pub, all gave the playgroup presents which the children could give to their mums."

She added: "I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who supports the playgroup - especially all the businesses and companies that have helped us with our fundraising and have donated equipment."

Service with a smile - Emerald Gridley, three, provides tea for mum Jo at their playgroup's party

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.