FACES old and new joined together at a garden party to mark a nursery's 20th anniversary.

Sunshine Day Nursery, in Waltham Abbey, invited parents and children from across its two decades to come along for the occasion and around 400 obliged.

At the garden party there was a disco, magic show and face painting as well as a BBQ and drinks.

The day also marked the end of an era for 17 children who are leaving the Sunshine Pre-school to go to primary school.

A leaving ceremony was held in their honour and the children were given certificates and trophies to mark the special occasion.

Sunshine Day Nursery, which is based in the grounds of King Harold School, in Broomstick Hall Road, began life in September 1990 with three children on its books.

It now looks after 80, and is owned by Julie Holmes who employs 20 qualified staff.

Mrs Holmes said: “It was wonderful to see so many families and friends from the past 20 years. We never forget anyone, but it was really hard to recognise most of the children as some of them are now over 20 years old.

“I am very proud of what the Nursery has achieved and it has gone from strength to strength.”