TELEVISION agony aunt Denise Robertson is to open an extension at one of the award-winning nurseries at the University of Sunderland this week.
The extension at St Mary's, on the city centre campus, was built with money from the university and the New Opportunities Fund.
It will mean the nursery will be able to offer an additional 18 places, as well as facilities for 30 playscheme places during school holidays.
The nursery has increased its provision for children from 42 places to 60 and can also offer occasional crche facilities for staff, students and members of the public.
The extension follows news that the university's nurseries - St Mary's and Gorse House - are among the best in the country and have been awarded a Quality Counts kite-mark by the National Day Nurseries Association.
The nurseries were among just 24 in the country to be given the award.
Bev Oughtred, childcare manager of both St Mary's and Gorse House, said: "The extension at St Mary's will allow us to build upon our achievements and enable more parents to access high quality childcare."
Ms Robertson, who holds an honorary degree from the university, will open the extension on Thursday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article