NURSERY children, above, have taken the first steps towards setting up their own shoe shop enterprise.

The youngsters at Kids & Co Nursery, in Darlington, are painting the walls of the shop area - as well as their feet. Inspired by the Elves and the Shoemaker tale, the eight-week project forms part of the nursery's topic of nursery rhymes and stories. The children, aged up to three, will have the chance to act out the roles of customers and shop assistants. It is also designed to help improve language skills and colour recognition.