A BUSINESS owner has spoken of her excitement as she prepares to bring her playgroup to her hometown.

Maria Jones is expanding her childcare business and bringing her messy playgroup to the Witham’s Methodist Church.

Messy Town runs sessions for children from six months to five years old.

Maria said: “I have worked in childcare since I finished school about 16 to 17 years ago.

“I have worked in nurseries, been a children’s rep abroad, and when my niece was born in 2016, I realised parents don’t want to do messy play at home.

“So, I decided and was lucky enough to set the group up myself, which we have been running in Chelmsford since July."

Messy Town does what is advertised, allowing children to get down and dirty with a variety of items.

Maria said: “Each session is a different theme, and everything is just messy.

“So we have trays filled with things like cereal, shredded paper, playdough, water play, custard, jelly, it is all fun and parents don’t have to clean up after.

“It is definitely something children enjoy, and even though some start off unsure, they often get stuck in during future sessions and it is always nice to see their confidence grow.”

Although currently living in Braintree, Maria was born and raised in Witham, and spoke of her excitement to return to the town.

She said: “I am a Witham girl, and it is nice to be back in this community.

“Lots of my friends or people I went to school with are hearing about it and the response and support has been amazing, so I am so excited to get started.”

The group will be running weekly sessions at the church every Tuesday from 10.30am to 11.30am during term time.

For more information, visit the Messy Town Facebook or Instagram pages.