A NURSERY company has been championing 'Dress-Up Friday' as part of efforts to improve mental health in the workplace and the wider community.

Staff at Farnworth-based prams and pushchairs specialist Cosatto have been urging clients and partners to ditch the ethos of 'Dress Down Friday' for a different approach.

And as this week marks Children's Mental Health Week, the Bentinck Mill company has been exploring more colourful ways of working and the power of positivity.

Even their owner, Andrew Kluge, has been getting into the spirit, donning superhero threads to brighten up the working day.

Andrew said: "Dress-Down Friday’s so over. We never really got that whole work dress code thing.

"It’s about tearing off the uniform and unleashing the inner unicorn, literally."

He says he has always believed that the company's emphasis on individuality has been one of the reasons for their success.

One of their key driving forces is ‘saving the world from boring baby stuff' so staff are encouraged to hit the dressing-up box and wear whatever takes their fancy on any given Friday.

Vicky Morley, their creative and marketing director, added: "In playing around with the dressing up box, we discover aspects of ourselves we didn’t know exist.

"It's the same for consumers choosing their favourite Cosatto design. It's about giving families tools to show their authentic inner selves."

Last year the outfit, which also sells car seats, teamed up with the effervescent Paloma Faith to launch a striking leopard-print pushchair.

One employee, Lee Oakley, said: "By day I’m your mild mannered planning and inventory manager.

"But for ‘Dress-Up Friday’ I’ll be getting my inner Freddie Mercury out."

The company has also partnered with the RAC this year to offer a new rotatable car seat.

Schools and social groups across Bolton have been undertaking a number of activities to mark Children's Mental Health Week. The national theme for the awareness-raising exercise, supported by the Duchess of Cambridge, has been 'Find Your Brave'.

A spokesman for organisers Place2Be said: "Life is all about taking small brave steps every day. Bravery could be about sharing worries and asking for help when you need it, trying something new or making the right choices.

"From assembly guides and class activities, to top tips for pupils and parents, our free resources are helping children and young people to explore what it means to Find your Brave."

Supporters of the campaign commissioned research which showed levels of emotional support required in schools had doubled from 2016 to 2019.