FORMER Tory leader William Hague delighted pre-school youngsters by remembering a present their predecessors had given him.

The Richmond MP was cutting the ribbon at Scruton Pre-School and Steeple People Out of School Club's new classroom facilities at Ainderby Steeple C of E Primary School, in Morton on Swale, near Northallerton.

Mr Hague, who last visited Scruton Pre-School in April 2003, remembered a plant pot he was given on a previous visit.

This time he was given a tea towel by pre-school children and a bookmark from children who attend the out-of-school club.

After declaring the classroom open, surrounded by children as young as three, Mr Hague then moved into the school grounds to watch a display of maypole dancing by 20 youngsters.

Mr Hague said: "It is a great pleasure to be here. So many people have worked so hard to bring this together. It's a great improvement to have the two facilities on one site."