A GROUP of mums is one step closer to starting a new pre-school in York.

The six women have been raising funds for the new scheme in Badger Hill, called Little Badgers, since March and are almost ready to open the doors to new pupils.

Sue Coates, of Osbaldwick, is a member of the committee, and started the fundraising with a sponsored run.

She said: “Back in June, I ran the Jane Tomlinson run to try and raise £200 towards starting the group.

“I’ve managed to raise £540 to get the pre-school fund going. I can’t thank people enough for sponsoring me. This will go towards toys and equipment for the children.”

The pre-school will accommodate children between the ages of two-and-a-half and five, and is set to open in January, and the group has applied for funding from various organisations.

She said: “It’s an ongoing thing. We need to carry on raising funds to keep the school going once it’s started.”

The group formed to start the pre-school because they believed the Badger Hill area needed it, and the local primary school has provided them with facilities for the scheme.

Sue said: “We are holding an open day session on Tuesday, December 7, at Badger Hill Primary School, between 11am and 1pm, where people can come and have a look around the pre-school setting and meet the staff.

“There’s no need to book, people can just drop in.

“We’ve already got eight or nine signed up, and we are able to look after 16, so places are filling up fast.”

For more information, or to get involved with the group, email littlebadgers@yahoo.co.uk