YOUNGSTERS from a day nursery in Wallasey have taken part in a sponsored toddle around Chester Zoo and raised £700 for Barnardo's.

The group of 20 children and 16 adults from Little Rainbows Nursery walked for half a mile around the venue on Wednesday.

They were among 670 children from 43 nurseries and primary schools from Merseyside and Cheshire taking part in the sponsored event.

Proceeds will help Barnardo's early years' work and each participating pre-school or playgroup gets to keep 25 per cent of funds.

Kerry Maddock, owner of Little Rainbows' Nursery, told the Globe: "We had a great time on Wednesday and completed the course successfully. The kids managed to stay the whole course and thankfully the rain held off.

"Once the walk was over, we spent a few hours wandering around the zoo before leaving and by then the coach was full of sleepy children."

Now in its eleventh year, the Barnardo's Big Toddle is a nationwide appeal that encourages youngsters to help other children by taking part in a half-mile sponsored walk.

Nationally, the event raised £1.6million last year, with £162,0000 of that coming from Northwest toddling events.

"Events like this are so important to get involved in, because it's all about children doing something that will benefit other children. Little Rainbows only opened four months ago so this was our first time on the toddle, but we'll definitely be doing it again next year."

Also taking part in Wednesday's event was Children from Neston Community Nursery, Holy Cross Roman Catholic Primary School in Birkenhead and Thornton Hough Playgroup.

Nancy Hart, event co-ordinator said: "The Big Toddle is a great way for kids to get fit, have fun and encourage play for the under-fives. However, there is a serious side to play, as it's the way that young children make sense of the world around them and develop their social and personal skills.

"We are hoping that funds raised from this year's event will help us improve play opportunities for disadvantaged under-fives across the board."