CHILDREN and staff at a Lydney nursery were surprised when they received a package with a Buckingham Palace postmark – and even the post lady returned to find out what it was all about.

Earlier this year, the children at Come and Play spent a week making a card for Her Majesty to celebrate her 90th birthday but they had no idea they would receive a ‘thank you’ in return.

The letter, signed by lady-in-waiting Mary Morrison on behalf of the Queen, thanked the children for “the splendid card and artwork”.

She also said it had not been possible to reply earlier because of the enormous number of good wishes the Queen had received.

Co-owner of Come and Play, Francesca Gardiner, said: “We weren’t expecting anything, it came as a bit of a shock to get a package with a Buckingham Palace postmark.

“Even the post lady came back to find out what was in it.

“The children spent a week making the card and we’ve photocopied the letter for the children who left us in the summer.”

Staff and children at the nursery were already smiling – after receiving another award.

The nursery has received the Better Smiles accreditation award for its dedication to healthy eating and good oral hygiene. 

Smiles Better is a government incentive and the accreditation award is recognised by Ofsted, the education inspectorate for England.

The nursery had to show how it has promoted good oral health, healthy eating, and provided a supportive environment.

Children have swapped biscuits and crisps at break times for balanced alternatives such as wholemeal pitta bread, calcium-rich cheeses and small portions of fruit.

Staff also took the children to the supermarket to teach them about the journey food makes before it reaches their plate.

Deputy manager Lauren Brown said: “Working towards this award hasn’t been easy but has certainly been worth it.

“We tried to introduce new eating habits in a fun way, using games and puzzles to encourage the changes, and I’m pleased to say it’s been a great success.

“All our parents have been on-board with the changes and we’ve worked together to implement this new way of thinking.

“This award is a great achievement for us, but it won’t stop here. We will continue to think of new ways to introduce healthy food choices and good oral hygiene.”