PRE-SCHOOL youngsters at Zouch Primary School in Tidworth now have new surroundings to learn in following the official opening of the new nursery unit.

Headteacher Tina Evans and garrison commander Col Godfrey Tilney paid tribute to staff, parents and the community for their help in securing the £80,000 needed for the project.

A major revamp was undertaken of the school's kitchens, transforming the area into a purpose-built unit inclu-ding a computer bank with internet access, a wet area, an imaginative play area and literacy and numeracy sections.

Speaking at the official opening, Mrs Evans said: "When I took over as headteacher in Septem-ber, my main aim was to make a difference.

"With LEA support and the community we managed to put together the money that we needed, with £30,000 raised by parents, staff and the local community.

"We're not just on the move as a school, but as a whole community and there is a feeling of excitement about the whole of Tidworth."

Col Tilney added: "I think £30,000 is a daunting figure even for the most hardened fundraiser and this achievement is quite magnificent.

"This is just the start of much more yet to come."