A nursery in Dunham-on-the-Hill has thanked the local community for its support ahead of its move to Helsby Methodist Church Hall.

Teddies on the Hill, which is run by Liz Middleton and Katie Millichap, has been housed at the Boshaw Centre for the past four years, in which time it has forged strong ties with the local community.

The nursery's move to Helsby is rendered more poignant by the the events of early 2020, when one of nursery's much-loved babies, Olly Stopforth, passed away.

"This had a devastating effect on our team, as well as his family, at a time when no one could reach out to support them," Liz said.

"Following the loss of Olly, his family and friends wanted to do something in his memory, and the community rallied round and raised an amazing £5,000 to be spent on a memorial garden at the Boshaw Centre for all his friends at Teddies on the Hill."

However, this is now no longer possible.

"The family are yet to set a new plan for these funds," Liz added, "but have given us great support in helping us to find an alternative venue for the nursery.

"I just hope we can plan Olly's memorial in the near future and we are currently exploring a number of possibilities.

"I would like to thank everyone for their kind words of support throughout this time. It is truly touching that so many of the wider community have reached out to us."

Although sad to be leaving the Dunham-on-the-Hill community, Liz and Kate are also very grateful for the welcome that they have received so far in Helsby.

They are also delighted with the comments made by Ofsted as it confirmed their registration at Helsby's Methodist Church Hall.

The inspection noted that Teddies on the Hill creates "positive and nurturing relationships" with children, offering particularly effective provision for those with special education needs and/or disabilities.

"Children appear happy and well settled at this inclusive nursery," the report said, adding that, "Partnerships with parents are strong. Leaders establish new ways to keep in touch due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Parents comment that their children 'absolutely love' the nursery and that they have 'come on leaps and bounds' in their learning."

To find out more about Teddies on the Hill, you can visit their Facebook page.