A DREAM has come true for everybody involved with Riccall Pre-School after the official opening of its new premises. The ambitious project was made possible thanks to a £100,000 loan and £60,000 grant from Futurebuilders England, which enabled the nursery school to buy its own premises on the site of Riccall Primary School.

A further £50,000 from North Yorkshire’s Early Years and Childcare Service was used to landscape the outdoor area and buy new internal fixtures and fittings.

The pre-school, which holds sessions for up to 26 children, previously met at the Regen Centre, in Landing Lane, Riccall.

Martyn Hill, a foster carer who helps out at the pre-school three mornings a week, was given the honour of cutting the ribbon at yesterday’s opening ceremony.

Children, parents, volunteers and staff then joined together for an afternoon of celebrations, including entertainment from Boxo the Clown.

Tracey McWilliam, manager of Riccall Pre-School, said: “The funding we’ve received has enabled us to develop our dream. Having our very own building is already allowing us to really expand and build on certain areas and themes for the children to explore, allowing them to discover new things every day. We will also be able to work even more closely with the foundation stage teacher at Riccall Primary School, making the transition to ‘big school’ for children as seamless as possible and so much easier.”

She said from September, they would also be able to put on more sessions for children aged between two-and-a-half and five.

Other guests were Liz Casling, at councillor for North Yorkshire County Council, and Julia Evans, who is principal advisor for the council’s 0-11 Learners Quality and Improvement Service.