STOCKTON Lane Playgroup is preparing to mark "50 years of fun" and is looking for past members to join the celebrations.

The playgroup started half a century ago after a group of mums met in a hut to form a committee of parents. It began running a few mornings a week and soon joined the Pre-school Learning Alliance to become a recognised playgroup.

Over the years they have held many events from picnics, sports and farming days to jubilee parties, but this is set to be their "biggest celebration yet" according to Fiona Wheeler, manager at the group.

Fiona says she has "no idea" of the exact number, but hundreds of guests are already expected including an 87-year-old woman and her child, who started on the first day of the group. Several families have also been part of the group for generations so the 50th celebration will prove a very special day for some.

Fiona said: "It will be lovely to see the old photographs and for everyone to meet up with old friends. It will be a great chance to celebrate 50 years of fun with all of those people, past and present."

The 50th birthday party will take place on Saturday May 3 fro 11am until 2pm. The playgroup would like to have as many people as possible and anyone connected to the group is welcome.