A NEW pre-school in Pinehurst celebrated its official opening with a party and a visit from the fire brigade.

Staff and children enjoyed a puppet show and bouncy castle to mark the launch of the Little Pinetrees pre-school, which was set up to fill a gap in pre-school education in the area.

Open to children aged three and four, the pre-school is funded by Sure Start, a Government programme which aims to give children the best start in life.

Liz Evans, project manager of Sure Start, said: "Sure Start works in close partnership with the parents, and tries to involve them with the projects. We hope that in a few years the pre-school will become independent run by the community, for the community."

Little Pinetrees is looking for volunteers, and is taking registrations for September.

It runs daily from 9.15-11.45am, at the Pinehurst Community Centre. Telephone Lis Mills, supervisor, on Swindon 651828.