STAFF at Hillside Children's Centre were joined in their fifth birthday celebrations by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Catherine Dann.

The centre in Northwood Hills first opened its doors to parents and children in September 2009. It is one of 18 in the borough that offer a range of services and activities to families with children under the age of five.

To celebrate their milestone, staff encouraged the community to come along to a birthday celebration and take part in a day of activities, including biscuit decorating, crown making and face painting. A bouncy castle and balloon artists also featured.

Hillside provides practical and emotional support to help parents understand their child's development and take a hands-on approach with their learning.

This includes stay and play, speech and language, physiotherapy and family support sessions.