A WEST Devon pre-school is celebrating the opening of its new after-school club, following a frantic last minute search for a manager.

Busy Bees Pre-school at Horrabridge has secured a £10,000 grant from Devon County Council after someone finally came forward to run the club.

Staff at the pre-school had been told they could miss out on the crucial Playlines Initiative funding if the management vacancy was not filled by the end of January.

But, thanks partly to an article in the Times, a suitable candidate came forward and the club, which provides after-school activities for children aged five to eleven, opened last week.

Karen Jones, chairman of the pre-school, said the post was filled in the nick of time.

She said: ?It was a huge relief when we found someone. We did it by the skin of our teeth and just opened in time. They?ve already paid the first instalment of our grant so we?re a bit more solvent now.

?We?ve got five children who have signed up so far, and they absolutely adore it.?

Karen said there was a flurry of interest in the position after the Times article highlighted the recruitment problem. Busy Bees had advertised the vacancy extensively for several months, but had not received a single application.

New manager Jenny Eastel used to be a dinner lady at Horrabridge Primary School which shares its grounds with the pre-school.

She has taken the job on a temporary basis while interviews are conducted in the hunt for a permanent manager.

Busy Bees vice-chairman Jill Sargent said: ?It?s good because Jenny already knows the children from her time here as a dinner lady.

?We are tremendously relieved to have found her, and our funding means we?re all right for the next 12 months.?

Mrs Jones said the new club was welcomed by Horrabridge Primary School and the wider community in general.

The club runs daily from 3.15pm to 6pm, providing a childcare service for working parents. Children are given something to eat and drink on arrival, and can play with toys, games and puzzles or do their homework.

Staff hope to set up a holiday club by Easter, offering similar facilities.

Applications for the permanent manager?s job are invited from people holding NVQ level 3 in playwork. Those in possession of a DPP qualification may be considered, but further training would be required.

Anyone interested should write to Busy Bees Pre-school, Walkhampton Road, Horrabridge or phone Karen Jones on 01822 855823.