THE owners of a Northallerton nursery are celebrating after finally finding a new home.

Looby Lou's has been told it can move to bigger premises in the town to cater for its growing business.

A scheme to build a new facility at Finkills Way - part of an industrial estate - is the fourth attempt to relocate as the nursery became a victim of its own success.

Hambleton District Council's planning committee gave the application the go-ahead last Thursday.

And delighted owner Anne-Marie Cooper said work would start as early as this month.

The issue has not been without controversy. Town councillors had voted against the scheme amid fears that the estate off Yafforth Road was not an ideal environment for a children's nursery.

Mrs Cooper dismissed such concerns, saying the nursery already operated in a similar location at Swain Court, near the Jewsons store. At Thursday's meeting, planning officer Diane Baines said there had been no untoward incidents while the nursery had been close to Jewsons.

Town mayor Jack Dobson, a member of the planning committee, said he had a lot of letters backing the scheme.

The purpose-built facility, which it is hoped will be completed by next spring, will offer both day nursery and after school care services.