A popular children and parent group based in a beloved Willesden pub which faced the wrath of a wrecking ball has celebrated its third year in existence.

More than 30 former and current members of the popular Bumps and Babies Group, run by the baby charity National Childbirth Trust (NCT), visited Queensbury Pub to join in the commemorative festivities.

Sharmine Chowdhury-Tse, 34, who volunteers at the NCT, started the group to help new parents deal with post natal depression, drawing from her difficult experience of being a new mother in a foreign environment.

The pub in Walm Lane was recently subject to proposals to demolish the existing site, to be replaced with a block of flats with a community space, but they were rejected by planning chiefs following an extensive campaign to save the building.

“It’s is a double celebration really because we now know we have this facility in the foreseeable future.”

From humble beginnings the group has attracted more than 350 parents and babies since opening.

The married mother of a three-year-old boy, who is currently 17 weeks pregnant, has received nominations for two prestigious volunteering awards in recognition of her work for children and families.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers and parents who have giving up hours of their times to help run the group,” she said.

“I have received positive feedback from many parents who struggled with post natal depression.

“We hope to support many more new parents in the years to come.”