Our '˜Nursery of the Year' celebrates being top of the tots

Ashbridge in Hutton has claimed the Evening Post’s coveted Nursery of the Year title, fending off stiff competition from 62 other pre-school childcare centres in the area.

“We are honoured to win this award,” said Grace Cole, Ashbridge’s director of operations.

“This year is a very exciting one as not only do we celebrate our 20th anniversary of having a school department, but also a million pound investment in our site will see the completion of a new purpose-built building with a truly unique indoor soft play area and an all-weather multi-games pitch.

“We are proud of the quality of education we offer to the children in our care.

“Thank you to all who voted for us. We will continue to work to fulfil our title of Nursery of the Year.”

Ashbridge, an independent school and nursery set in 11 acres of countryside in Lindle Lane, beat Sceptre Nursery in Sceptre Way, Bamber Bridge into second place in a closely run contest.

Little Angels Community Pre-School, based in St Michael’s Church Hall in Egerton Road, Ashton, Preston was not far behind in third from the 63-strong field from Preston, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Loctosk Hall, Garstang, Goosnargh, Chipping, Ribchester, Inskip, Walmer Bridge, Longton and New Longton.

The Nursery of the Year competition has been running since March, with the public asked to vote for who they thought deserved the crown as the best in the Evening Post’s circulation area.

Hundreds cast their votes and the field was wittled down to a top 10 which also inlcuded Busy Bees in Sharoe Green Lane, Bizzkids in Moor Park Avenue, Cuerden Nursery School, Elizabeth Saunders Nursery in New Longton, Inskip Pre-School, Little Acorns in Kennington Road and Small Wonders in Arkwright Mill.