Budding artists from the Quarff and Gulberwick Mothers and Toddlers Group have recently enjoyed some painting with their mums and Eleanor Robertson from the Shetland Childcare Partnership.

Assistance was provided by the partnership towards the costs of the paint and aprons which the group use.

Childcare throughout Shetland has been brought sharply into focus in the past year by the Shetland Childcare Partnership which is chaired by Shetland Enterprise's childcare officer Eleanor Robertson.

The partnership is committed to looking after the care needs of children form pre-school age up to 18 years and its initial activities included conducting a childcare audit among parents, children and employers; drafting a childcare plan; and holding an open day to explain its priorities and demonstrate their database and website.

Various other childcare projects assisted by the Shetland Childcare Partnership in the last year include a grant of £613 (pounds) to Whiteness and Weisdale Playgroup to purchase pop-up tents, tunnels and fantasy cube, and a contribution of £131 (pounds) which helped Shetland Childminders put together a baby massage course.