Shopping in Liverpool is child's play.

Toddlers in Bold Streets Early Learning centre couldn't believe their ears this week when they were told to get messy. It was the launch of a new nationwide Playtime initiative in hundreds of Early Learning stores. The store was not open for trading so the children could enjoy themselves with the paints and crayons, and the staff could interact and get to know their customers. The scheme has also been backed by experts from the Pre-School Learning Alliance.