YOUNGSTERS from Winkleigh Pre-School are feeling the benefit of brand new facilities, costing more than £500,000.

The new home for the pre-school, which has more than 70 registered under-5s, is on the current primary school site and was funded by a government grant of £587,000 to Devon County Council as part of the Children and Young People's Better Buildings Fund.

It was built by Morgan Sindall, with the project being managed by NPS.

Local groups and trusts such as the Wright Fund, Winkleigh WI and the Winkleigh Brownies also contributed money to the cause, with cheque presentations taking place at the opening of the new site on April 2, which is on the primary school premises.

Anna Bridgeman, who works on the pre-school's voluntary management committee, said: 'The pre-school spent 40 years in a temporary classroom building, and people have been campaigning for a new building over the last 20 years.

'We now have a purpose-built building designed specifically for pre-school children.

'We have a fantastic new facility, and moving onto the primary school site is great as we can now improve our links with the primary school and reception classes even further.

'We have had fantastic support from the parents and community during our move and countless people have given their time and energy to move us into the new building.

'Our capacity has now increased to 26, and we can offer many more services to children in the area.'

The new facilities have a garden and outdoor space, and the new interior is designed to be brighter and more spacious.

Anna said: 'The garden and outdoor space allows them to have easy access to free flow play and enjoy the outdoors.

'The facility is a fantastic asset to the village and the children thrive in its bright and spacious interior, which really stimulates their learning.'