A NURSERY in East Cornwall was on the rostrum at a major awards ceremony in London.

Dimson Day Nursery at Gunnislake was Highly Commended in the Nursery of the Year 2009 Award run by Nursery World magazine — for the second year running.

And owner/manager Patricia French attained Highly Commended in the Manager of the Year 2009 Award.

The ceremony, attended by childcare professionals from across Britain, was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London last Friday week.

Dimson's philosophy is children are healthier and develop to their full potential through access to the outdoor environment, where they can experience nature and feel part of and learn about natural life-cycles.

Children at the nursery have daily access to ten acres of gardens, fields and woodland with pet and domestic animals in which to play, learn and achieve all the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements.