A BASINGSTOKE mother will create a jungle bonanza to celebrate her son’s first birthday.

Emily Lovegrove, 23, from Popley is going all out to mark her son, Stanley Croker’s big day on May 28.

Six family members will turn up to join in the jungle celebrations at Ms Lovegrove's mother's house.

Mother-of-one told the Gazette: “We were planning on having a party but it will be a small gathering at my mum’s house.

"We will be adhering to social distancing during lockdown and ensure we stay two metres apart.

“We have got him a ball pit and paddling pool. We will do a chocolate cake smash and he will smash his face into it and go crazy.

"It’s very American but it has now come over to England.

“I am a mad fan of giraffes and will make Stanley a giraffe cake in the shape of number one.

"Stanley's favourite animal is a giraffe. Before he was born, me and my partner went to Marwell Zoo and bought him a giraffe comforter.

"He cannot go anywhere without it and has to have it there or he will not go to sleep.

"Stanley makes you laugh when you have had a bad day. I love coming home and seeing him after a long day at work. He lights up a room and is always smiling. 

"He is the happiest child I have ever meet. Some of the decorations will be in the shape of animals like elephants and giraffes.

"We are also thinking of buying a pinata for Stanley for family and friends to get involved in.

“We purchased all of the decorations from a website called party delights. We gave ourselves a budget of £50 and got so much for it.

“We are going all out as much as we possible can. It will be a birthday he will never forget.”