THERE were cascades of colour, stripes and spots when the Poplars Nursery sent in the clowns to celebrate its birthday in style.

The fun-packed festivities were put on to mark double success at the pre-school in Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, which has notched up 13 years of teaching and has just received a glowing report from inspectors.

The party, called Unlucky For Some But Not For Us, featured more than 40 toddlers clad in colourful costumes. Parents put in hours after school to create the bright outfits and design make-up for the special day.

And after a traditional tea party, six of the best clowns were picked out to receive books as prizes.

Teacher Jennifer Rothwell said: "It was a wonderful afternoon. Everyone had put in so much effort. Parents said their children couldn't sleep the night before." Earlier this month, Ofsted inspectors lavished praise on the nursery and staff, saying the quality of teaching was excellent and the environment was 'extremely interesting and stimulating'.

The children were also congratulated for their 'very good behaviour'.

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