IN 1998, the future looked pretty grim for beef farmers Nigel and Lesley Johnson.

British exports had not recovered from the BSE crisis and with the industry in deep recession, their future at Aldbrough St John looked bleak.

However, that was before a conversation with their nanny, Sarah Fairburn.

She wanted to set up a nursery but did not have the money. They had the assets but none of the expertise.

Put together, they had the beginnings of a new venture and, after a two-year battle for premises, Little Learners was opened in the Old Grammar School, at Scorton.

Today, the nursery has more than 170 children on its books and employs 23 full and part-time staff. It has already expanded this year, adding an indoor play area and a "messy room" to its facilities.

The project has been such a success the Johnsons have sold their farm and are enjoying retirement.

There are plans to mark the nursery's anniversary with a party in June that may include celebrities on its guest list.