Port Glasgow playgroup Remembrance Day arts and crafts

At this week's packed out Port Glasgow New Parish Toddlers Group, there was a chance for youngsters to make their own hand printed poppies to take home.

It is one of the many activities organiser Pamela MacDonald and her volunteers have once again pulled together.

Since starting up two years ago the popular parents and toddlers group now has three different sessions to meet demand, including one for children with additional supports needs.

Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Organiser Pamela, who runs the three sessions after setting up the group only two years ago, said: "It is great to get them all involved. After snack we will be busy sticking on poppies and making hand prints.

(Image: George Munro)

"With Remembrance Sunday coming up it is something special to take home. I love coming up with activities."

Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Mum Vicki Macdonald, from Greenock, and her two-year-old Luke both enjoy the chance to meet up with friends.

The 40-year-old receptionist said: "It is great. Luke loves it and he has made lots of friends. I have also made new friends as well. Pamela just does so much .

"We have been coming since January. Pamela never stops. She puts so much on for everyone. Luke goes to nursery now but we love it so much we will come along."

At the group Luke is enjoying snack time with his twins Skye and Summer, also two years old, at the table.

Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Port Glasgow parish church (Image: George Munro) The twins' mum Claire McCorkindale, aged 42, an optician from Greenock, said: "It is great here. We love the crafts. I couldn't do that in my house because it would be wild!!"

In Port Glasgow New Parish Church every Thursday, the hall is set out with toys and games for free play with mums, dads, grandparents and carers all getting the chance to join in.

Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) Port Glasgow playgroup (Image: George Munro) The youngsters then all enjoy a snack, then Pamela organises themed arts and crafts, mixing it with sensory play, songs and story telling.

Pamela has set up more sessions to meet the demand from parents keen to come along, with waiting lists to join.

She said: "I just love to see all the children's faces. They look so happy."

Port Glasgow Parish play group (Image: George Munro)

Mum-of-six Pamela set up the parents and toddlers after realising the need for another group in the Port Glasgow town centre.

(Image: George Munro)

Her youngest children Amy, 3, and Isla, 2, also love the toddlers group, taking part in the Remembrance Day activity.

The Port Glasgow New Parish play group sessions run on Thursdays from 9.30-11am then 11.30-1. She also runs an ASN group on the same day from 3.30-5pm.