A FERRYHILL pre-school initiative has achieved a status that will allow it to offer free nursery education for three and four-year-olds.

The pre-school group, at Ferryhill Leisure Centre, has achieved Nursery Education Grant Funded Provision status.

Pre-school leader Joanne Snowball said she was delighted at the news, which should improve education opportunities for what is known as the foundation stage.

She said: "To be able to offer free nursery education we had to demonstrate that what we are offering was the highest possible quality."

Ferryhill Pre-School is holding an open day on Saturday, June 19, from 10am to noon, at the leisure centre.

For more information on places available telephone (01740) 654121.