COUNTY Durham's 800 registered childminders were given a festive thank-you for their work during the year.
The carers and the children they look after were given a Christmas party at County Hall, Durham, at which deputy council leader Bob Pendlebury played Santa.
The event was organised with support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.
The partnership is carrying out a recruitment campaign to get more people to work in childcare.
It believes there is growing demand for quality childcare as more parents return to work.
It is holding a series of information roadshows across the county and start-up grants are being offered to newly registered childminders.
Pauline Murray, operations manager for the county's social services, said: "Childminders play a crucial role in County Durham and the Christmas party is one way of thanking them for all their hard work.''
The party featured party games, face painting, toys and music.
Supermarkets Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco and Boots donated gifts and food for the event
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