TODDLERS and their mums and dads enjoyed a morning of fun on Thursday in the newly refurbished hall of the Salvation Army.

Over the past year extensive work has been carried out on the hall, in Castle Street, Trowbridge, so it can be used by the wider community.

After carrying out a survey in the area it was found many people would like to see a toddler group in the building and the first session of Sally Anne Tots playgroup was a resounding success.

Play leader Jane Wickham, who is running the group with Margaret Taylor, said: "We had 12 parents and more children because there were a few sets of twins.

"It was absolutely fantastic and everyone got on really well. A lot of them commented on how good it was.

"Several years ago it was mentioned about having a toddler group but the facilities were inadequate. Now we've had the refurbishment we thought it was the right time to start it."

The group will run every Thursday from 10am-12pm during term time and costs £1.50 a family. Activities include singing, live music, painting and story time, Captain Heather Godwin from the Salvation Army said she was delighted the hall could finally be used for more community work and said there was a possibility more groups could be set up.

"We don't have a huge congregation but this is about all out community work. Although the Salvation Army is a church we want to provide more for the community.

"We found there wasn't a parents and toddlers group in the area on a Thursday after doing a survey. One young mum asked why we didn't have a group here and that started the ball rolling."

The refurbishment work, which has been paid for with grants, fundraising and property sales saw the building being modernised while an old four-foot high platform was removed to make the hall one level.

Mrs Godwin said: "The building was dire before but it's now ideal for disabled access and there is a new kitchen so it can be used for any purpose. Although it is the Salvation Army it can also be hired out," she said.

"People are thrilled to bits with the refurbishment. Before it was very much of an old-type building but now it has been updated. There is now a feeling of warmth and it is much friendlier in the hall.

"We wanted to make sure the building was more functional. Before, you had to go over a platform to get out of the back door and it was dangerous."