A pre-school for children with special needs in Bath has reached its 30th birthday.

The Bath Opportunity Pre-school caters for pre-school age children with special needs, giving them a chance to meet new friends and enjoy playtime.

It was started in 1979 by Lesley Smith with a base at the Royal United Hospital and just four children.

Now it has moved to bigger custom-made premises in Frome Road and grown into a professionally run pre-school, with 50 children aged up to six attending.

Mrs Smith said: “The pre-school has grown immensely.

“I am so delighted to see all the children doing so well.

“BOP has a wonderful atmosphere, children love coming here as they get a sense of security and acceptance.”

Parents and children turned up to a fete today to celebrate the birthday, and enjoy fun activities on offer.

Energetic youngsters were entertained by a bouncy castle, while parents enjoyed the coffee and cakes.

Children were transformed into butterflies and dragons by facepainters, while animals such as ducks and chickens were on show.

Special guest was the charity's patron, actor Simon Shepherd, who lives in Bath.

The star best known for playing Dr Will Preston in the ITV show Peak Practice, was full of praise for the pre-school.

He said: “I think it is a fantastic, unique facility.

“All the staff work so hard for the benefit of the children and parents.”

As well as present pupils, many faces from the past turned up.

Manager Carole Wadham has worked at the pre-school for 11 years, and was pleased to see her old pupils.

She said: “It is so nice to see the children returning, knowing that they are happy and progressing well.

“The pre-school has a wonderful atmosphere, which allows the children to feel calm and relaxed.

“They get a lot of attention, as in each class there are no more than 10 children.

“We also help parents, and they are very much involved with their child’s learning during their time at the pre-school.”

Jenny Armstrong, from Oldfield Park has two children at BOP, Beth, aged five and Lucy, two.

She said: “The pre-school is brilliant, I cannot praise it enough.

“The care of the staff is brilliant, they look after the whole family.

“Both Beth and Lucy love coming here, they are straight in the door as soon as they arrive.”

BOP aims to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment and ensures that all therapy needs are met.

It aims to foster mutual help and co-operation among everybody associated with the children's development and well-being.

Teacher Sarah Barclay said: “We aim to cater for the needs of the individual, with speech and music therapy.

“What’s lovely is that past pupils have come back today to help us celebrate our birthday.

“It is so lovely for us to see them all grown up.”

If you need further information email bop@threeways.bathnes.sch.uk.