A BABY group has been celebrating its first birthday.

Laura Gates set up Wivenhoe Bumps and Babies with a vision to connect new parents across the borough.

The group has gone from strength to strength and Laura runs classes twice a month at the Wivenhoe Methodist Church.

To celebrate a year in business, she organised a birthday party for the tots and their parents including a performance from an entertainer.

She said: “We invited all the babies back to the group to help us celebrate and we had a lady come in to provide entertainment.

“She did some puppetry and singing and dancing, which was lovely for the children.

“One of our committee members also made a birthday cake.”

About 40 people attended, including babies past and present, and their families.

Laura said: “It was really good to see everyone, and for me I feel really chuffed as a community group, which can often fail, is thriving.

“We have had so many success stories from parents and I’m just very humbled and privileged.”