More than 30 youngsters from a  local nursery enjoyed an extra special marine-themed ‘toddle waddle’ when they visited the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks.

The toddlers were all from Tinies Stanlaw Day Nursery in Ellesmere Port and were accompanied on the fundraising walk by staff and parents.

The sponsored event was to raise  money for two charities, Barnardo’s and  the Meningitis Trust, and the walk culminated ‘underwater’ in the aquarium’s giant walkthrough tunnel with the toddlers surrounded by giant sharks and rays.

Event co-ordinator Jenny Jones said: “Everyone was very excited about going to the aquarium, and the children have been talking about what they were going to see when they arrive. 

“We chose the charities as we have had children and families affected by meningitis in the past and Barnado’s is a great charity that we have supported in the past and so we decided to make this a joint event.

“To make it even more exciting for the children we also decided to dress up for the walk with an 'under the sea’ theme,” she added.

The children, whose ages range from five months to four years, also enjoyed a guided tour around the aquarium during their visit.

Blue Planet Aquarium’s Andy Hygate said: “It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and excitement among the children and it was a nice reward for all their efforts in getting here in the first  place and raising money for two great charities. Aquariums are popular places to visit with pre-school children and hopefully some of these toddlers may be inspired to find out more about the marine environment in the future,” he added.

So far the nursery has raised more than £200, with sponsor money still being collected.