A DAYCARE nursery in York has been sold.

Polly Anna’s in Haxby was sold through business property adviser Christie & Co for an undisclosed sum.

The nursery was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and has maintained that rating since 2015, with capacity for up to 60 children across two buildings which share a central courtyard.

The nursery was owned by Ken McArthur and his family since 1997, but he decided to sell the leasehold of the family run nursery to retire.

He said: "I was not getting any younger and believed I had achieved as much as I could so felt the time was right to step away, particularly as my daughter Helen would not continue to run the nursery without me and is now embarking on the next stage in her career. Retirement also means a greater opportunity for me to travel further and longer than before."

Mr McArthur said he was proud of the nursery's reputation and rating, as well as the business' early adoption of the Government's 30 hours scheme.

The new owners, Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nurseries Ltd, already operate five settings based in and around York.

Vanessa Warn, founder and managing director, said: "We’re delighted to bring Polly Anna’s into our growing family, we’ve been looking for some time to expand and this opportunity was too good to miss. Our group is now the largest Early Years provider in the region looking after more than 350 children per day.

"Ken McArthur has been a great mentor and sounding board for me and my business since I started out in 2009, his knowledge of the sector is unmatched. I’m thrilled to be able to take on his thriving nursery and will strive to maintain the high standards that have already been set."

Vicky Marsland from Christie & Co said: "I’m very pleased to have been able to assist Ken with the sale of the nursery and wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement. I believe they have found the perfect new owner for Polly Anna’s in Vanessa and look forward to seeing the Little Green Rascals group expand so they may continue providing their award winning childcare services for many years to come."