A COMMUNITY turned out in force over the weekend to celebrate the success of a four-year fundraising campaign.

Sowerby can boast a bigger and better nursery thanks to £20,000 from local people, who paid for its extension.

Financed through numerous coffee mornings, raffles, fun runs and other money-spinning events, the new block was launched officially on Saturday and includes office accommodation, toilets and facilities for the disabled.

Spokeswoman Polly Crook said the move would allow the children more space and staff now had somewhere to meet visitors away from the rest of the nursery.

It now had toilets for adults and improved facilities for those with special needs, allowing it to cater for a wider range of children.

The nursery, which already boasts the highest possible rating awarded by the local education authority, welcomed back some of its founders from 31 years ago for the ceremony, which was also attended by some former staff.

Mrs Crook said: "It really was a fantastic turnout. I was helping with the teas and it certainly felt like most of Sowerby was there."