A new baby and toddler has launched in Gorleston, offering a community space for parents and children.

New parent and toddler group Magpies will take place every Monday during term time at St Mary Magdalene Church.

Magpies provide up to 90 minute sessions, which includes a soft play area, toys and craft activities for children and their families.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: (L - R) Hannah, Emmaus and Matt Ashpole enjoying the beach.(L - R) Hannah, Emmaus and Matt Ashpole enjoying the beach. (Image: Magpie)

Hannah Ashpole, who together with her husband, Matt, organised the sessions after being unable to mix with other parents in the previous year due to Covid restrictions.

Mrs Ashpole said: “Having been through recent lockdowns where we haven’t had much support from one another, and the main thing is community.

"Everyone needs community.

"We are keen for this to be a place where all feel welcome.”

Magpies takes place every Monday during term time at 10am at St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston (entrance through the main doors off Magdalen Square).

Pre-booking is currently required and Hannah can be contacted on hannah.ashpole@stmmgorleston.org.uk or via the group's Facebook page.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Magpie is a group for parents, carers and under-threes and takes place every Monday during term time at 10am at St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston.Magpie is a group for parents, carers and under-threes and takes place every Monday during term time at 10am at St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston. (Image: Magpie)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Magpies' first session on Monday, September 27 was a full-house.Magpies' first session on Monday, September 27 was a full-house. (Image: Magpies)