THE YMCA's childcare department held its 20th birthday celebrations at the Victoria Road centre in Chelmsford.
A week of activities culminated with a big party for children, parents, staff and supporters including an under the sea theme with face painting, an ice cream van, a bouncy castle and a raffle.
Director of client services Heather Venables said: "The most important thing for us is to build lives, hope and futures and to celebrate being in the community for 20 years."
The YMCA's childcare department provides day care, out of school clubs, and family support groups to young people from zero to 19.
Stacey Murphy, child care manager, said: "All the funds raised will go directly towards centre activities. It's a really important event and celebrates all the great work we have done over the last two decades.
"All the money raised goes back into the children and they reap the benefits. Everything that the charity stands for is to work with all areas of the community."
