NORTH-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong has officially opened a pre-school nursery unit classroom in her constituency.

The unit, at Bishop Ian Ramsay Church of England Primary School, in Medomsley, County Durham, will cater for 30 pre-school children.

Headteacher Collin Sillett: "This facility is a significant addition to the school.

"It will mean that children will not have to transfer from other schools and will become familiar with the building and staff here."

Bishop Ian Ramsay first started taking pre-school children when it was found that many were starting without any nursery experience.

The unit was initially located in a spare classroom, which later became needed for primary pupils.

The new classroom, costing more than £70,000, was funded through the Diocese, with Government funding.