IT was party time for a fast-growing before-and-after-school group as it celebrated its first birthday.

The St Philip's Church, Nelson, Family Centre also organises a mums and toddlers playgroup and a holiday-time club for kids.

The group, supported by European Funding via the Pendle Partnership, started the year with just 12 youngsters on its books, but now has 127 children calling in on a regular basis, says centre manager Ian Hirst.

"It has been a fantastic first year," he added.