A MUCH-loved nursery has secured Centre of Excellence status in recognition of its commitment to provide exceptional childcare.

Busy Bees, off Newton Lane, Darlington, located on Newton Lane, was handpicked for the honour after staff repeatedly demonstrated their dedication to offering children the best possible start in life.

The nursery's longstanding team, led by nursery manager by Suzanne Cartwright-Powton, have been based in the town and supporting youngsters and their families since September 1996.

Upon receiving the Centre of Excellence status, Ms Cartwright-Powton, said: “It’s amazing that the care, nurturing and teaching our team provides day-by-day has been recognised.

"It feels great to say we deliver care in a Centre of Excellence nursery and I can’t thank the whole team enough for how much hard work they put in each day.

“Holding Centre of Excellence status will only inspire us to continue delivering exceptional care to our children and ensuring all aspects of what we do is matched with the same passion and dedication.”

To achieve the accreditation, the nursery had to score highly in partnerships with parents and the surrounding community, its approach to inspiring the children's creativity and its key focus on supporting and nurturing its team of practitioners.

Louise Copson, divisional director at Busy Bees, said “I’m tremendously proud of Suzanne and her team.

"They have shown their commitment to delivering the very best start in life to children and have been duly recognised with this prestigious award."