A UNIQUE church group celebrated their first birthday with a picnic and some birthday cake.

The Church of St Nicholas in Witham hold their monthly messy church sessions for children and their parents.

On August 16 the group was celebrating their first birthday at their 13th session and enjoyed some extra special activities.

Reverend Sally Lodge said: “It went very well, we had a good crowd of 50 or so people including mums, dads and children.

“The meetings follow a sort of standard format. We have a bible story and we have crafts which are based on the story and are based around the church.

“We have a hot meal which everybody shares together. This time because it is summer and our birthday celebration we have a picnic and some cake.

“We have got over 100 children who are members. I think people come because the crafts are so good. They are really good fun and they are for all ages, parents are also encouraged to get involved.”

More information can be found at: www.withamparishchurch.org.uk.