IT was celebration time for children in Stanmore at the launch of the estate’s first purpose-built nursery.

Poppins Nursery, in the Carroll Centre, will cater for up to 32 children aged two to four.

Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eileen Berry, enjoyed tea with children as she cut the ribbon on the new facility, funded by a £180,000 county council grant.

Jool Heller-Dixon, head of the Carroll Centre, said the service would “provide local children with a solid foundation for their future education.”

Cllr Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to support early years education by investing in this project to provide a valuable community facility.

“It is a super building and will contribute to a much needed provision for nursery education in this part of Winchester.”