YORK children have been clowning around as their Kids Club celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Hempland Kids Club, which is based at Burnholme Community College, was founded in 1995 with a small group of children. It now has more than 220 children registered, with its summer club open to all.

To mark the milestone, the children were treated to a circus-themed party with a skills workshop, when they also presented their play workers with flowers to say thank you.

Jo Collingbourne, manager, said: “My amazing play workers have been working hard as always to make summer 2015 such a great success.

“I've been manager of Kids Club for 17 years now. We believe that play is such a powerful tool in how children learn and develop both educationally and personally.”

This year Hempland Kids Club became the first kids club in York to achieve the judgement Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

“It’s something we are all immensely proud of,” Ms Collingbourne said. “It's taken a lot of hard work and a dedicated team of play workers to make this possible, as well as such an amazing group of children and supportive parents.”

One of the children, Maggie Wakeling, 10, said: “My sister and I love Kids Club because it’s such a warm, friendly place to be. According to my sister it is ‘Wepic’, which is a cross between ‘Wow’ and ‘Epic’.

“There is always someone to talk to and to listen, someone to cheer you up if you’re feeling sad, and there’s always someone to have a laugh with.”

Maggie’s sister Florence, eight, added: “In the holidays we have a bouncy castle. I like it because everyone gets a fair chance and you can bounce, bounce, and bounce.”

Ms Collingbourne said: “We all work as a team, the children are involved in all decision making, and are proud to take ownership of their club. Our hopes for the future are to secure a play area for our children and continue to provide a high-quality service for many, many years to come. Another 20 at least.”