Ref. 76035-175A SWINDON charity laid on a party for more than 60 children with funds raised by readers of the Evening Advertiser.

Home-Start Swindon were able to hold their annual party thanks to the £400 donation from the Evening Advertiser, raised during last year's Christmas appeal.

Several groups have benefited from the appeal, which raised a total of £3,000.

Jan Aylward, senior organiser at Home-Start, said: "It's a party we try to have every year just to bring a bit of fun and laughter into the families' lives.

"But it all depends on finances and getting money from somewhere.

"This year there are about 41 families with more than 60 children at the party."

The children were entertained by Magic Mike, a magician and musician, who led the children in a series of singing games.

Jan said: "In the middle of the afternoon they had a lovely tea prepared by the volunteers, who have been making cakes and preparing teas all week."

Tanya Norris, of Walcot, was at the party with her children Andre, three, and two-year-old Ciaran.

She said: "I think it's a really good party.

"The children have been very excited about coming. They've been looking forward to it for a while.

Hayley Palmer, 32, of Upper Stratton, said: "This is great for the children.

"I was here last year and it was a big success."

Her son Liam, 10, a pupil at Ruskin Junior School, said: "They've got really good games, and you can get prizes."

Home-Start Swindon is an organisation which works with parents who have children under five who are having problems coping.

Jan said: "They may have been referred to us by their health visitor or social worker. Some of the mums are suffering from post-natal depression.

"Our main work is to introduce them one of our 45 volunteers. They visit the families every week for a morning or an afternoon to give them some befriending or support. "

David Andrew