A preschool which has been serving small villages in its area for 50 years invited the community to celebrate its birthday.

Little Tractors Preschool in Forncett was first opened in 1966 and currently has around 35 children aged two to five on its books.

To commemorate the milestone staff organised a party in Forncett Village Hall, where the preschool is based, for children past and present and their parents.

Around 50 people of all ages packed into the village hall for party games and birthday cake.

Cheri Hannent, acting lead practitioner at the preschool, said: 'The day has gone really well, it is lovely to see so many old faces.

'It is lovely to see some of the older kids and staff who used to work here – it has been great to share our day of celebration with them.'

Ms Hannent, who has worked at the preschool for 11 years, puts its success down to its 'family' atmosphere.

'It has got a real sense of family about it and a real friendliness. I think that is what parents like – they must get feel that too. The children seem to thrive here in a way they may not do in a bigger place,' she said.

Little Tractors, which runs as a non-profit organisation, has a small staff team of four and a similiarly sized management committee.

Its chairman Terry Henderson, who has been with the preschool for around three years, said: 'We are lucky to have a nice hall like this. We have got a lovely little team here.

'We are looking forward to the next 50 years.'