Youngsters from Croft Playgroup enjoyed their debut stage appearances by singing and dancing in front of parents, grandparents and friends.

Proud relatives crammed into the Croft Centre yesterday morning to watch the show.

The rapturous applause when the curtain came down was enough to spark tears from some of the children but not for long.

Playgroup secretary Nicola Bennett said: " Some of them got a little bit frightened by the clapping but over all they really enjoyed the whole experience.

"The children worked very hard and have learned a lot about the meaning of Christmas."

The class of 30 three and four-year-olds had been rehearsing for the show since September.

More than £200 was raised through refreshment sales and raffle tickets.

The money will be used to buy new toys and learning equipment for the playgroup.