FROM the beginning of this year Newton Nippers Pre-School has been able to use Newton St Cyres Village Hall all day on Fridays and, thanks to Crediton Children's Centre, has lots of new equipment as well.

On other days of the week, Newton Nippers begin their day at Newton St Cyres Primary School, walking down the hill for their afternoon sessions in the village hall.

This nearly always becomes an education, talking about animals, birds or whatever else might have been seen on the walk, as well as and enjoyable outing.

But not on Fridays. Being able to use the hall more means they have had to duplicate much of their play equipment and this is where Crediton Children's Centre stepped in.

The Centre calls at the village once a month to do activities with the children, and that was how the donation of equipment came about.

As well as play and storage equipment, the Centre provided the security gates, plus big squashy floor cushions.

Play Leader Julie Murphy said that being at the village hall all day means staff are able to work with the children in simple cookery

Newton Nippers received a good Ofsted report, has its own notice board in the village hall, on which copies of the last two Ofsteds are posted.

Every Friday afternoon the older children go up to the school to join Class One, introducing them to the school they are likely to be attending from January.

Julie added that they were most grateful to the village hall committee for giving them somewhere to store everything, laying a path to the shed, putting up new fencing and keeping the grass cut.

Kay Hardiman, Newton Nippers co-chairman, said: "The village hall committee have been fantastic, they have helped us so much."

Although there is a waiting list for some sessions, there is space for more children in others. To know more either contact 07877 520 042 or look at the website http://www.newtonnippers.btik.com">www.newtonnippers.btik.com .