A NURSERY has been awarded £3,000 to help create an outside classroom for children.

Stepping Stones nursery, a co-operative based on Number One Industrial Estate in Consett, has been given the money from the Derwent Valley Partnership community fund.

The awards were announced at the Up 2 U event held at Derwentside College on Saturday, when members of the public were able to vote for which community projects to support.

Nursery manager Chris Proud said: "This is really fantastic. The best opportunities often arise when we least expect them.

"Having an outside classroom will be a huge benefit to the children and will support the nursery environment. I'd like to thank everyone who came long along on the day and voted for us".

Stepping Stones, which opened in 1994 in the grounds of Shotley Bridge Hospital and moved to its current site in 2006, offers places for 43 children aged from three months to school age.