THERE were smiles all around as a popular face from TV stopped by a children's group.

CBeebies TV presenter and children’s entertainer Sid Sloane bounded into Lostock Parish Hall as part of its Rhythm Time session yesterday.

Sid made his musical appearance as part of Children’s Activities Week, a national effort to support the Caudwell Children charity, organised by the Children’s Activites Association (CAA).

The theme for the week is flying, with the hashtag #flywithme and Sid is travelling the country, visiting all kinds of kids clubs and activities groups.

Sid said: “I’m a huge fan of the CAA and their fantastic work to ensure our children’s services meet a quality assured standard, and I can’t wait to get involved with all the fun during Children’s Activities Week!”

Sally Leyland, the owner of the Rhythm Time franchise at Lostock, said: “The children were all very excited and the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Sid dropped by the parish hall for about 20 minutes Mrs Leyland said and joined in with some of their songs.

Mrs Leyland, who has run the franchise for six years, said: “The children there were aged from one to three.

“Before he arrived we got all the kids excited and singing and dancing. He arrived and they gave a big cheer.

“They were really mesmerised and I think a lot of them recognised him.

“It was lovely for them to watch him and a lot of them were coming up and peering at him quizzically. It was a great opportunity for them to see somebody they might not normally get the chance to meet.”

Rhythm Time is an activity group for pre-school aged children to learn and develop through music and song.

As well as a fun chance to meet a familiar face from TV the children were taking part in Sid’s world record attempt sponsored by insurance company Morton Michel.

Caudwell Children is hoping to break the world record for the most people taking part in a song and activity at any one time across the country.

Mrs Leyland said they would find out on Friday whether or not they had been successful in their attempt.