CARE-FREE tots could make as much mess as they wanted at a fun session last month, all in the name of education.

Mini Messies are play classes for children aged from six months to pre-school.

Held at the Barrhead Scout Hall, the classes allow children to explore and have fun without making a mess of their parents’ living rooms.

The sessions for the Barrhead Mini Messies are organised by husband-and-wife team Aisha and Lewis Pollock.

As the couple were holidaying in France with their children, one-year-old Arla and three-year-old Albie, friends Clair and Gemma took over last weekend.

Aisha said: “The girls kept us informed of what they had planned but they organised everything. I’ve seen some photos and it looks like they did an amazing job.”

Youngsters were able to visit various play zones with themes such as ‘picnic in the park’, ‘seashells’, ‘jellyfish’ and ‘vegetable picking.’

Aisha, who is a teacher at Netherlee Primary, added: “The schools are off, so there was a holiday theme that allowed the little ones to get the sand between their toes, play with jelly and flour and also enjoy some ice cream.

“The classes are not only fun but they also help the children grow.

“Kids love exploring and they do so with their hands, toes and mouth. Our classes allow them to learn without parents having to worry about the mess, as we take care of the clearing up.

“It is also a social thing as the little ones get used to being around other children and, as the classes run at weekends, we invite parents and grandparents to come along if they want.”

For more details, call Aisha on 0743 236 9430, send an email to mini messies@hotmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Older children in the Barrhead area are also welcome to find out more about their local Scout groups, with regular sessions held for Cubs, Beavers, Scouts and Explorers.