MUMS and babies have been enjoying a new church group for toddlers to open in Stockton.

Toddlers Praise takes place every Monday morning in St Peter’s Church, Stockton, with an hour of worship and fun kicking off at 9.30am in the Yarm Road church.

Parents, carers and pre-school children are treated to a Bible story, songs, prayers and bubbles before enjoying refreshments and toys together.

Mum Joanne Benzies, of Stockton, said: “The children love it as it is a lot of fun, with stories and songs. They also enjoy the experience of being in a beautiful church.”

The festivities for children and families get under way in St Peter’s on December 15 at 10am with a Christmas theme Messy Church, which includes making a seasonal craft and watching puppets act out the nativity story, before having a party lunch.

The annual nativity service is on December 23 at 10am and there will be a crib service on Christmas Eve at 4pm.