THE wait was finally over for children who celebrated the grand opening of their new nursery recently.

First Friends was declared open on Tuesday, November 7 which was an exciting moment for both staff and youngsters.

The nursery is based at Neroche School, in Broadway, Ilminster.

Connel Boyle, headteacher at Neroche, said: “Our communities are over the moon with our new pre-school.

"As a new, two-11 primary school, we now have the opportunities to work together with children and families before they start at ‘big’ school.

“Our dedicated teachers and early years key-workers are already making a positive difference to the lives of families in our community.

“Our partnership with Somerset County Council has been crucial in developing this wonderful facility and without the council’s financial support, this scheme could not have gone ahead.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place which was attended by Gemma Verdon, junior member for children, and county councillor Linda Piggott-Vijey.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said she is “delighted” about the opening of First Friends.

She said: “This new building has created extra early years places for families in the community of Neroche, and will support working families in the area.”

The new nursery is the result of one of six successful bids from Somerset County Council to the Department for Education last year to support the introduction of the new 30 hours offer for working parents in the county. Visit www.somerset.gov.uk/eye30 for information.