CHILDREN, parents and staff have celebrated a nursery's 20th anniversary.

Little Learners Nursery, based in Scorton, near Richmond, opened on June 18, 1998 and has provided childcare for hundreds of children during its 20 years of business.

Celebrations lasted all day on Monday including a disco provided by Be Cool Entertainment, and a live music sing along and puppet show by Martin the Music Man.

Children dressed up in party clothes or fancy dress, had their faces painted and enjoyed a BBQ lunch in the garden prepared by newly appointed chef Karen Paling.

Manager Sarah Laws said: "The nursery has gone from strength to strength over the years providing local families with childcare for babies from six weeks to children up to 14 years. "The nursery received an 'outstanding' judgement from Ofsted at its last inspection 18 months ago.

"The nursery currently employs 28 local staff who all work extremely hard to ensure the best outcomes for all their children."

The nursery is working towards a Forest School accreditation, by taking children on visits to nearby woods and staff training to achieve a level three qualification.