PARENTS can learn alongside their children thanks to a £100,000 expansion to a nursery school in Spennymoor.

The Oxclose Nursery School will open the doors of its new extension to families and members of the community who want to become involved in supporting the pupils' early education.

Margaret Dineley has been headteacher at Oxclose Nursery, which was built in 1972, for 17 years.

She said: "We have 39 morning and afternoon places, but now we can offer much more than that, like the opportunity for parents and guardians to learn with their children.

"We have already held an art and craft session, and plan a cookery one soon, which can extend parents' learning and give them useful interaction with their children that they can continue at home. The parents at this nursery are so supportive. It is wonderful to offer them the chance to get more involved with their children's pre-school learning."

The new room, funded with an Early Years Development grant from the Government, Durham County Council and £2,000 raised by parents, is also used for drama, dance and music sessions.

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council cabinet member for education, unveiled a plaque to mark the opening.