CHILDREN of all ages were encouraged to get stuck in for an underwater-themed messy play event last week.

About 25 youngsters and their families descended on the Naze visitor centre in Walton for the event hosted by Little Squigglers.

Budding artists were encouraged to create their own under the sea themed paintings using different art materials.

They were also able to get involved at the different stations which included glitter-filled Play-Doh and messy water trays. Sarah Hawes, who owns the north-east Essex branch of Little Squigglers, brought the unique class to the centre during the last days of the school holidays.

Each week she brings the class to a different venue with a different theme in a hope of getting youngsters to explore sensory activities in a fun way.

It also teaches the children to learn important life skills through the workshop, such as developing confidence, independence, and boosting language and communication skills.

“We like the children to be able to make something at the classes and take them away.

“This time there was a lot of new people and children I hadn’t seen before really got stuck in,” she said.

“It was my first time at the Naze centre and we got such positive feedback.

“I love all the gloop, glitter and gunge and the super craft activities, which I really enjoy sharing with all the children and grown-ups.

“The children love getting messy and making works of art that they can be proud of.”

Youngsters were able to use a variety of different materials throughout the day including stamps, paints and crepe paper.

“The parents love sharing this quality time with their children, with the added bonus of having someone else to clear up the mess,” Sarah added.

“I love the different themes we do each week.

“It’s lovely to give the kids a chance to get stuck and they can enjoy spending time as as family.”

If you would like to find out more about Little Squigglers, contact Sarah on sarah@littlesquigglers.co.uk.