TWO nursery managers have received a surprise invite to meet Tony Blair and his wife at 10 Downing Street.

Julie Hall and Carolyn Greaves, from Hartlepool, will join 198 other childcare workers from around the country at the meeting with the Prime Minister on September 6.

Ms Hall, who is owner and manager of Playmates Private Day Nursery, said: "I have no idea why they chose me. It was completely out of the blue, but it is nice to be recognised after 11 years of hard work."

Ms Greaves, who manages Kiddikins Neighbourhood Nursery, said: "I just couldn't believe it, this is a fantastic opportunity and I am absolutely delighted to be going."

The meeting with the Blairs has been set up to celebrate the work of those developing childcare services.

Hartlepool Borough Council's children's centre and childcare co-ordinator, Penny Thompson, said: "We are absolutely delighted that they are receiving recognition for their work.

"We helped secure neighbourhood nursing funding to open these nurseries and this invitation shows that the work being put into developing childcare is paying off.

"Julie and Carolyn are looking forward immensely to the visit and I'm sure it will be a very memorable occasion for them."