PRESCHOOLERS in Thornbury have been given the chance to help move into a new building which opened its doors on Monday.

The new home for First Step Preschool, on the grounds of Crossways Infant School, faced an uncertain future last summer after work was stopped when funding for the project ran out.

Despite funding from central government kick starting the project, work was halted when the money ran out, potentially pulling the plug on the building ever being finished.

But following intervention from South Gloucestershire Council and Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, the project got back on track, with the council backing the project by taking ownership of the building to fund the shortfall.

Following the Easter holidays, the preschool opened its doors to children this week, with the first class being invited to create a “little convoy” as they visited the old building one last time to collect all the outside toys.

Preschool leader Sue Ross said the looks on the children’s faces when they went into the new building for the first time was “utterly amazing”.

“There were lots of smiles but also a lot of hesitation with everything being so new,” she said, “but despite that they loved the whole first day and getting to explore our new building.

“We did one last trip to the old building to bring back over all the outside toys, so it was like a little convoy going through the school. They got to be part of the move which they really enjoyed.”

With everything being brand new, Sue said that staff and parents were thrilled by the new surroundings.

“The space is so airy and light,” she said. “There is so much more that the children can do now that they couldn’t in the old building.

“They can access every toy themselves without us having to help them and then pack away afterwards.

“We are very proud of all the hard work that everyone has put in to getting us here. It has been a long journey and we are so glad to be here.”