A RODBOURNE nursery, which lost toddlers to a state-funded playgroup, has closed down after more than 40 years.

The Happy Hours Playgroup, previously known as Rodbourne Playgroup, used to meet in Even Swindon Community Centre, but has suffered from dwindling numbers since Even Swindon Infants School started a nursery in 1999.

The playgroup has opted to close now because numbers have dropped from 40 children to 20.

Supervisor, Angela Ferris, 38, said they would lose money if they tried to stay open.

She said: "It's very sad but we just haven't got enough children. We've lost more children every year and it has got harder and harder."

While Even Swindon Infants School gets an education authority grant Happy Hours relied on government funding based on the number of children attending.

Two full-time staff, who have been at the playgroup for six years, have lost their jobs due to the closure.

And because Happy Hours is an independent charity they will receive no redundancy pay-off.

The playgroup is holding a sale of its remaining toys and other equipment tomorrow morning at Even Swindon Community Centre in Jennings Street from 11am.