A VILLAGE school that closed due to falling numbers has reopened as an after-school and holiday care facility.

Manfield School will also open to the community to ensure the 152-year-old building remains at the hub of the village.

Lesley Thompson, owner of High Bank Day Nursery, in Stapleton, Darlington, came up with the plan to provide the after-school and holiday care.

She approached the school's trustees after its closure was announced earlier this year.

Mrs Thompson has taken a ten-year lease of the building. She will be responsible for any maintenance and improvements to the school.

Ofsted gave the go-ahead for the new use, which was received in time to open last week during half term.

It can look after up to 32 children every day during school holidays.

The after-school club at High Bank will also move to Manfield. Children at catchment schools in High Coniscliffe and Abbey Road, Darlington, Middleton Tyas, Eppleby and Barton will be bused to the new facility.

Other classes to the wider community will include IT, yoga and pilates. There will also be a creche.

Mrs Thompson said: "We are really excited about being able to use Manfield School as an after-school and holiday care club."

She hoped to receive permission to open a farm shop and educational visitor centre at High Bank Farm.

For more details or businesses who can help, can contact 01325-365885 or nursery@highbankfarm.co.uk.