It was party time at a St Albans nursery when past and present children and parents gathered to celebrate its tenth birthday.

Busy Bees St Albans Hospital staff invited past parents and children, who had attended the nursery in the past 10 years since 2004, to enjoy fun-filled day of activities including face-painting, cake making and decorating and an Easter themed hat decorating task.

The children helped nursery manager Wendy Morland to blow out the candles on the birthday cake, specially made by staff admin Amanda Harvell. 

Ms Morland, who began working at the nursery on its opening day 10 years ago as a nursery assistant in the baby room, said: "It’s been a wonderful birthday celebration and we’ve really enjoyed seeing some of the older children. It’s hard to believe I once cared for these same children as babies 10 years ago.

"I am especially proud of the way our nursery and staff have grown and developed over the last 10 years. Some of the changes have been quite astounding, but even though we have aged, the building looks brand new after our recent refurbishment. I’m looking forward to being here for the 20th birthday party."

One hundred tagged balloons were released, with a prize of a free day of childcare to be given to the parent whose tag is returned to the nursery first.