Gissing Children Centre’s Wizard of Oz-inspired fundraiser leaves visitors spellbound

Hundreds of children and their families clicked their heels to be transported to a world inspired by The Wizard of Oz.

Gissing Children’s Centre was awash with witches, flying monkeys and a tin man, as Dorothy left Kansas behind her for a trip to Emerald City. on Saturday.

Centre manager Linda Nash said: “The event went really well and we had plenty of adults and children enjoying themselves.

“We had lots of witches, a wizard, flying monkeys, a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion, as well as lots of other great costumes.”

The trails are a massive fundraiser for the site, but the centre manager said they played an important social role, too.

“They are great fundraisers for us but also, every time we do one, it really pulls the community together,” she said.

“It is a real team effort and gives awareness about what we do at the centre.

“I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone that supports the centre and also thank our volunteers, who give so much time and effort. Every time, they work so hard to make things really special.”

The centre is set to host another trail event at Easter, though a theme has yet to be decided.

“We cannot wait to plan for the next one and welcome more people to the centre,” added Ms Nash.