Youngsters came to raise money but left covered in paint as The Lighthouse in Ely hosted a parent and toddler session with a difference.

The session – aptly named the MESStival – invited toddlers to get messy with clay and paint as part of their mission to raise money for the church’s playgroup that is run during term time.

As well as covering themselves and their parents in paint, almost 100 children produced colourful creations on canvas and moulded figurines out of clay at the two-hour session.

An impressive £260 was raised, which will going to go towards new toys for the playgroup.

Organiser Gladys Bailey said: “The day was so successful that we had one young lady say “Mummy, this is the best birthday ever!”

“Thanks go to all involved especially to Waitrose Ely for donating cakes along with some cake-baking parents.”

Lighthouse parent and toddler group meet weekly through term time from 9.30-11.30am. £1 each child, under one’s free. 50p an adult.