BABIES don't usually need much of an excuse to make a mess.

But thanks to a food-themed playgroup yesterday they were positively encouraged to smear jelly and yoghurt, explore the stickiness of porridge and sit in cheerios.

The ‘Baby Messy Play’ sessions at the Civic Arts centre in Oswaldtwistle saw children given various edible textures to sit in, play with, explore, and eat.

Parents were then given a small bath to wash their baby in after all the gooey fun.

The sessions, which began earlier this month, aim to improve babies cognitive development and creativity while experiencing sensory play.

Mum Lauren Jackson, who set-up the sessions with Emma Holden, said: “They’ve been very successful and popular so far.”

Sessions take place every Friday from 10am to 11pm and are pre-bookable due to limited space.

To join, contact the arts centre on 01254 398319.