A NEWTON Aycliffe nursery will be able to double the number of places it offers, thanks to a substantial grant.

The Playday Nursery plans to create 26 places by extending its premises in Simpasture Gate.

The nursery has been awarded £122,822 by the New Opportunities Fund, the biggest of the good cause National Lottery distributors, as part of a plan to create Neighbourhood Nurseries. Co-owner Pat Cutmore said management and staff were delighted to learn of the award.

She said: "This will enable to us to double capacity of children and adapt the existing premises to accommodate babies and children under three.

"The new extension will also provide scope for a quality teaching, learning and play area for children over three.

"In addition, we will be strengthening existing good links with local agencies by providing additional training facilities for those who wish to obtain childcare qualifications. We feel that this venture will benefit the local area by assisting parents who wish to take advantage of the many training opportunities available, or return to work."

For further information contact Linda Watts on (01325) 312050.