A COUNCIL has vowed to support a closure-threatened kindergarten.

Busy Bees Kindergarten, in Ragworth, Stockton, is a small charity-run nursery for the under-fives.

Due to running costs, the kindergarten is facing the prospect of closure.

The charity, based at St John the Baptist Primary School in Ragworth, has appealed to local businesses for help.

Stockton Borough Council said it was helping the charity to come up with a business model to stave off closure.

Jill Anderson, lead officer for the Stockton local education authority's childcare partnership, said the partnership was "committed to advising this childcare provider" and helping it to create a sustainable future.

Parents are organising a charity evening and are seeking donations to raffle. The Asda supermarket in Portrack Lane has donated two hampers.