A nursery company has taken over a Chandler’s Ford nursery in a bid to expand its centres across the south coast.

Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools will now be running Mulberry Corner Nursery, which has been in operation for more than 30 years.

The Happy Days chain looks after more than 2,000 children at 27 sites and employs just less than 750 personnel.

Happy Days Nurseries managing director Kim Herbert said: “We are thrilled to be growing our portfolio again with this acquisition.

“Not only have we had the exclusive opportunity to work with the directors whose values and beliefs of providing children with the very best care and education align with our own, it has also allowed us to expand into new areas of the country.

“The staff team at all three settings will remain in place and we are looking forward to working with them, to continue to provide quality childcare, ensuring all children have the best possible start in life.”

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The company has also bought a nursery with sites in Godalming and Farnham - part of its plan to expand across the south coast.

Eamonn O’Connor, spokesperson for the owners of Mulberry Corner, said: “We are immensely proud of Mulberry Corner and the impact the nurseries have made in their respective local communities.

“It has been a privilege to watch so many children flourish under our exceptional nursery teams.

"Having known key members of the Happy Days team for some time, we are confident that the nurseries will continue to go from strength to strength and impress everyone who works at, attends, or visits the nurseries.

 “We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated teams and supportive families for their loyalty and commitment.”

With 27 nurseries and preschools now under its belt, Happy Days said it had others in the pipeline.