A CHILDREN’S author got a new nursery in Cliddesden off to a flying start.

Early years author Marion Dowling officially opened the new Otters Nursery, in Farleigh Road, Cliddesden on October 14, and signed copies of her books.

In addition, Hampshire County Councillor for The Candovers, Anna McNair Scott and the headteacher of Cliddesden Primary School, Ken Davies, also attended the opening.

The nursery, which opened on September 2, can take around 42 children up to five years of age.

Currently, 10 children have enrolled and 20 are in the process of registering and there are 12 members of staff working at the nursery.

Nursery owner Rob Angell told The Gazette: “It (the official opening) went brilliant. We had the headteacher from the local school come down.

“Marion handed out books and commented on how comfortable it was and how much it fitted in with the ethos of looking after children and helping children develop. She did a special talk for those attending about how she felt the environment was so important to bringing the best out of children.”

He added: “It has been open for business for a couple of weeks and there has been significant interest from the Basingstoke community.

“It was great to see the headteacher of the local school as we are hoping to have a longstanding relationship with them because of having the children directly from the catchment area.”

To sign up to the nursery, visit ottersnursery.co.uk.