Father Christmas helps little Olivia Hall to officially open a new extension at Maple Grove Community Group pre-school in March

New building at Maple Grove Pre-School (Image: Archant)

Not only was he at the Maple Grove Community Group pre-school for the annual Christmas Fayre but he was also there to help officially open the new building.

The pre-school, which was located in a mobile for 22 years, has been in desperate need of more space and thanks to a £2.83 million investment in the adjoining school it now has that.

New building at Maple Grove Pre-School (Image: Archant)

The extension includes two new rooms, a meeting room and a purpose built kitchen which will enable the pre-school, which also runs after school and holiday clubs, to provide proper breakfasts and afternoon teas.

Father Christmas was helped with the cutting of the ribbon to officially open the new building by three-year-old Olivia Hall, who won the honour by having her name drawn out of a hat.

Tina Bidwell, pre-school manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new building. We are proud to have a purpose-built building for our pre-school. We are all passionate about what we do, and we have had our third ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted in a row.”

Local MP Steve Barclay who was given a sneak peak of the building together with Wendi Ogle-Welbourn, director of children and young people and adult social services at Cambridgeshire County Council, the day before the official opening said: “The pre-school has recently benefited from part of a new £2.83 million investment from Cambridgeshire couty Council so they can expand their site and extend their offer of quality early years eduction.”

The Christmas Fayre, which was held following the official opening on Saturday December 3, raised £1,200 for the pre-school which will be used to by new toys and equipment for the new rooms and also for the extended outside play area.