THE children may not have realised it was a special day as they were having fun, but a Gruffalo party held at Tootsies on Saturday was to celebrate the nursery’s first year in Bordon.

The nursery’s owners Karen and Russell Brown were present to make sure everyone had a good time.

In keeping with the theme of the party, the interior of the nursery day room was transformed into a deep, dark wood and, much to the youngsters’ surprise and delight (after a teenager agreed to dress up), a Gruffalo was there to greet them. There was a cake, in the shape of a Gruffalo foot made by Farnham caterer Slice of Pie, and one of the parents held a children’s painting session.

A nursery spokeswoman said: “Everyone had a wonderful time and Mr and Mrs Brown, who have three children of their own, were pleased so many came to the party.”

Tootsies’ first nursery was opened in Farnham.

The Gruffalo book, by Julia Donaldson, was first published in 1999.