The sound of African drums greeted parents, children and teachers who gathered for a charity barbecue recently.

Busy Bees nursery in King Harry Lane, St Albans, hosted a day of festivities to raise money for the Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

A bouncy castle, Socatots workshops, performers and Mickey and Minnie Mouse entertained guests, who raised £230 in the process.

The charity helps children who are seriously ill, focusing on those ‘who have the biggest needs’.

Nursery manager Ruby Sharma said: “Opening up the nursery doors was a huge hit, with lots of families - some familiar to us, but some new faces too - visiting us for the first time.

“Everyone loved meeting their favourite mice. There were photo opportunities galore and lots of hugs and laughter throughout the day.”