All three-year-olds in Wiltshire will be eligible for free nursery education from April 1 thanks to more than £800,000 of extra funding from Wiltshire County Council.

All three-year-olds will be entitled to five sessions per week each lasting at least two and a half hours from the term following their third birthday.

The free places are available at pre-schools, day nurseries, some independent schools and some registered childminders.

Parents who wish to take up the free places for their children should contact their chosen participating childcare provider.

The provider will have all the necessary paperwork.

Cabinet member for education, Coun William Snow, said: "All children from three years and upwards are now entitled to free good quality nursery education.

"The county council's investment in nursery places for young children will give them a first class start to their education and is part of its commitment to improving education across the county."

Eligibility for the free nursery places is now the same no matter where in England the child lives, so parents in Wiltshire can get the same offer if they choose a provider outside the county.

Free nursery places are available for all children born before April 1 2001 for this summer term, September 1 2001 for autumn term 2004, and January 1 2002 for spring term 2005.

All three-year-olds are eligible for the scheme.

Information about providers taking part is available from the ask children's information service on 08457 585072.

All four-year-old children are already entitled to receive free nursery education.