A popular toddler group held at a Clarendon Park Road library has been dubbed a 'serious competitor' to playgroups in the area.

The free, once weekly event –which includes storytelling and pupeteering from a regular hostess, and crafts – was first formed around six-years-ago for under-fives to attend with their parents in Knighton.

The group now accommodates a regular intake of 15 to 20 toddlers for the two-hour sessions.

Jon Paton, of Knighton Library, said: "It gets pretty wild with the number of children we have attending. We have definitely become an unofficial playgroup in this community.

"Here, everyone gets to make the most of a free service. It's fun for the toddlers and the parents are able to chat and interact with one another – it's a very tight-knit affair," he added.

The sentiments of Mr Paton have been echoed by those who attend the toddler group with praise being heaped upon the service provided by the library.

Fatimah Goni, 27, has been bringing her son Yusuf, 20 months, for only a few weeks but has already recognised the impact of the sessions.

"I found out about what Knighton Library had to offer over the internet. My son is an only child and things like this really allow him to get used to other children.

"We go to other playgroups but we really enjoy this one as it is so interactive," said Mrs Goni.

Another who has been left impressed with what the toddler group has to offer is Mrs Baria, 54, who has been attending for over six months with her two-year old grand-daughter, Amreeta.

Mrs Baria said: "Although we go to another playgroup in the week, this one is really good. The library staff provides us with all sorts to keep the children occupied and there is always something different going on.

"The story-teller is especially good. My grand-daughter has a lot of fun here," she added.

For more information contact Knighton Library on 0116 299 5477.