Tots and their parents took part in a special day of baby massage, yoga and reflexology to help boost a hospital appeal.

Basking Babies Braintree staged the free event on its Facebook page in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Never Far Away - Essex Appeal.

The appeal is raising £300,000 to cover the running costs of free hospital accommodation for families whose babies or children are undergoing lifesaving treatment at GOSH.

Basking Babies Braintree boss Sarah Humpoletz said: “It is so important to keep families together at these times.

“Situations like this could happen to anyone and it is comforting to know that if it happened to you, you won’t have to catch the last train home and can stay close by your child.”

The event showed how a tummy massage can relieve trapped wind and cholic, and there was also a special session for dads.

The charity massage-thon raised £400 which was matched by Basking Babies UK, taking the total to £800.