CHILDREN got into the St Patrick's Day spirit at a nursery of the same name.

The tots at St Patrick's Pre School in St Patrick's parish hall, Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow, donned shamrocks and a riot of green to celebrate the special day of the patron saint of Ireland.

Parents enjoyed Irish coffees and donated money to the nursery.

Irish dancers from St Patrick's Primary School next door also came along to entertain children, parents and staff.

Mother Deirdre Good, of Erskine Road, Walthamstow, came along with her daughter, Roisin.

She said: "It was a lovely morning. The children made their own shamrock hats and they loved the dancing. It was a good opportunity for parents to get together."

St Patrick's Day is normally held on March 17 each year, although this year the Pope moved the date to March 15 because it clashed with Holy Week.

Originally the church planned to move the saint's day to the next available day in the Church's calendar, April 1, but senior Irish clerics wanted to keep the date as close to international civic celebrations as possible, as they are planned years in advance.

The last time St Patrick's Day had to be moved was in 1940 when it coincided with Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week.

The next date it will have to be moved again is 2160.