DURING one of their chats over the garden fence, friends, Jane O'Connell and Chris Charnick came to the conclusion that something was missing for the children of Kington.

For almost four years, Kington has not had any type of playgroup for the 76 children who live in and around the area.

Mrs Charnick already runs the 'Mum's and Tots' group at the youth centre to keep the very young children occupied.

When the girls realised that there was a gap in the market for the playgroup they put their plan into action and the Kington Kangaroos were born.

At the official opening at Kington Leisure Centre, some 25 children arrived to meet Mrs O'Connell and Mrs Charnick, and most importantly, to check out the toys!

While looking into the possibilities of a new playgroup the friends discovered that local businesses were very supportive and already they have lots of fund-raising ideas.

Fortunately, the group will use toys from the 'Mums and Tots' and they have inherited most of the apparatus left from the previous playgroup that closed due to lack of funds.

There are still places left at the twice weekly sessions and for further information please contact Jane O'Connell on 01544 231299.