EAST Renfrewshire tots enjoyed some messy fun at a Christmas party in Neilston on Saturday.

Youngsters rolled up their sleeves and got their hands on dough and slime at the event in Neilston Scout Hall.

Mess Around Renfrewshire and Inverclyde is a new franchise which provides themed ‘Messy Play’ sessions for young ones across the local area, helping them to socialise with other children.

The launch event in Neilston saw festive fun at a ‘Messy Christmas Party’ that featured lots of sensory activities, as well as a large painting wall, a snow machine and, of course, Santa.

Event organiser Nicola Harley said her one-year-old daughter Orla helped to inspire the sessions.

She added: “I started the franchise to be able to spend more time with Orla and get her involved in my work life.

“It was something I could fit into my life that meant I didn’t have to sacrifice time with my daughter.

“Orla loves playing with all the fun stuff, like cloud dough and slime, as well as socialising with other children.

“I loved the concept of messy play, as kids just love getting messy, and we provide fun new sensory activities for them to be able to explore new feelings and sensations.

“The parents also love the sessions as they don’t need to clean up the mess.”

The group will stage another session at the 1st Barrhead Scout Group on Friday, January 24.