CREDITON’S Pippins Pre-School and Nursery, which has been established for more than 50 years, celebrated another step forward this week when it moved into new premises, Market Square House in Market Street, Crediton.

The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch, cut a ribbon to mark the official opening of the new setting for the pre-school and nursery, which almost doubles the size of the former premises and capacity for the number of children who can attend.

The new setting has large rooms and is bright, light and airy, making it probably the best pre-school and nursery setting in the area.

Baby facilities have been doubled and it is hoped that there will be capacity to accommodate more babies in the future.

Pippins took possession of the building on August 15 and the grand opening took place on Monday, October 7, meaning everyone had to work really hard to have the building ready for the children in just a few weeks.

Led by project manager David Schillemore, volunteers, parents, governors and staff have worked night and day completing many jobs from painting walls to carpentry and minor building works and other duties, in addition to moving everything from the former premises to the new one.

Hazel Hodge, Pippins manager, was full of praise for all those who helped.

She said: “We are super excited to welcome the children and their families to our new setting.

“We have had a fantastic amount of support and help with getting the setting to what it is today and without our extremely dedicated team we couldn’t have done it.

“Thank you and welcome to our new home.”

Hazel thanked all the staff and their partners, as well as Rob Dymond, Colin Mackenzie, Joan Nethercott, Peter Voisey, Age Coe, plumber Richard Gould, electrician Mark Burrow, painter Phil Milford, Eakers DIY and Bee Draper of Painting Ladies.

Thanks also went to Mark Seymour of MAS flooring for the anti-slip vinyl and to Ben Kingsland for the luxury baby room carpets and anti-slip vinyl.

Debbie Keast was also thanked for making the cake.

Market Square House was formerly the town’s Police Station, court and more recently offices for Mid Devon District Council and Crediton Town Council.

Mid Devon District Council sold the premises to a private buyer who has now let the premises to Pippins.

Cllr Frank Letch said after cutting the ribbon: “It is a new chapter in the life of the building.

“As a past Chair of Pippins it is nice to see the group grow. I wish the group well.”

A celebration cake was cut and gifts and flowers were presented to Hazel by the staff for all she had done to take Pippins forward to a new lease of life.

It has been a week of celebrations for Pippins as this week it also heard that it had been judged Good overall and in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Hazel added: “We are thrilled to have achieved a Good rating.”