A YORK pre-school and after-school club is celebrating its 40th birthday with a garden party this weekend.

The Wonder Years started life in 1971 as Wigginton Playgroup, based in the village’s Recreation Hall. It has changed its name several times over the years, becoming Wigginton Pre-school, then Jack-in-the-Box Pre-school until it became The Wonder Years two years ago when it moved into the former caretaker’s bungalow at Wigginton Primary School.

To mark its ruby anniversary, The Wonder Years is hosting a celebratory party and open day on the school’s playing field on Saturday, from 1pm to 4pm. There will be a children’s fancy-dress competition, face-painting, badge making, a falconry display, bouncy castle, penalty shoot-out and a cake decorating competition.

Young and old can have a go at “wacky races”, and there will also be tombolas, bottle stalls, strawberries and cream and a bar.

Anyone wanting to have a stall at the garden party should phone 01904 758717 or email enquiries@the-wonder-years.co.uk. The cost is £15 per stall.