TODDLERS at a North East mums’ group turned the selfie craze into a festive fundraising affair at their Christmas party.

The Manic Mum Days group held its Christmas party at Darlington’s Bondgate Methodist Church today (Wednesday, December 17) and used the occasion to support the North-East Autism Society.

Mums and their children were encouraged to take ‘elfie selfies’ – photographs of themselves on their mobile phone dressed as elves – and donate money to the charity.

Donations were made via collection buckets at the party, and also online where some of the elfie selfie pictures were posted along with a text donation.

Cassie Cooper, of Manic Mum Days, said the group was inspired to support the charity after hearing about its work through a Mum Days member who is involved with the society.

She said that the elfie selfies added to the festive fun of the party, adding: “We had about 60 come along and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.”

Other attractions at the party included Father Christmas, various stalls, inflatable soft play and sing-a-longs.