Claire Thomas, the manager of Happy Faces nursery, in Skaters Way, had been moved by the plight of children in Malawi after Alison and Tom Husbands, who set up the Dalitso Trust in the country, had brought their three children along to a session.

Claire said: "They had the idea of setting up a Happy Faces out in Malawi to help parents there play with their children. I was deeply touched and saddened by the poverty over there, and wanted to help.

"Last year, we raised more than £600 with Happy Faces events, and in February a shipment of toys was sent.

"Now a nursery is being set up in a family centre, which will also provide much-needed educational and health provisions, as well as bringing the community together."

Funds were raised when parents paid £5 per child for a special play session – all of which was spent on wooden toys with the idea that the local people will be able make the toys with available materials.

For Claire, who set up Happy Faces more than 10 years ago, it was the culmination of years of hard work.

She said: "I started the nursery off in the Barn near the Hodgson Centre, in Werrington, when my son was starting school. I wanted to provide a quality educational based play centre for under-fives and their carers'."

The session starts with free play with the educational toys that are set out in the main play room with the child's carers playing alongside their child.

Each session rounds off with singing time which includes songs, bells and shakers and parachute games along with the rousing finale – If You're Happy And You Know It.

Claire added: "its lovely to see the children starting to build up their friendships by taking turns at catching and playing together.

"There is a quiet reading corner and baby area so younger siblings are always very welcome, and dads that come are often found on the building mat where all the giant Lego is, even when the children have gone off to play with something else."

On Saturday, October 11, the nursery will be holding a charity play session for children including refreshments and a cake stall.

This event will cost £6 per child, with all the proceeds also going to Malawi Dalitso Trust. Claire is hoping to raise in excess of £200 during the sessions, for which places must be booked.

To get in touch, call 01733 324851 during the day, or 01778 394603 during the evening, or you can e-mail claire@happyfaces.uk.com.

Contact details for donations direct to the Dalitso Trust can be found at www.dalitsotrust.org.