AN APPEAL for Do It Yourself enthusiasts has been issued in a bid to get a day nursery up and running by September.

The Rev Bill Day is calling on anyone who would like to volunteer their carpentry and painting skills to get in touch to help convert a home into a nursery for toddlers.

The building in Segensworth Road, Segensworth, needs to be ship-shape by the end of July when an inspection by the education authorities is being carried out.

Mr Day said: "Basically, we need to pass the inspection by Ofsted to get our accreditation.

"We need to do as much as we can between now and then to get the nursery ready.

"The internal conversion is taking shape and work has just started on the extension. What we need now is anyone who can offer skills in the DIY department to help us."

The £400,000 project has also been given a recent boost after money from the New Opportunities Fund was awarded.

Mr Day said: "This is a real comm-unity scheme.

"Along with the nursery we will also have worship space that will be open every Sunday.

"Any extra money we make will also be put straight back in to community projects in the area."

The idea for the nursery came about two years ago after the lack of nursery school places was brought to the attention of Mr Day, who runs the St Peter's parish in Titchfield.

However, the project has suffered a couple of setbacks. The initial site earmarked by the church fell through after negotiations broke down at the last minute.

Luckily an ideal site just across the road became available and planning permission was granted by Fareham Council in April.

Once open the nursery will be able to cater for 24 children aged three to five years old and 12 children under three.

Anyone who can help with the nursery can contact The Rev Day on 01329 847003.