A sad farewell was paid to a Corsham preschool which closed last Thursday after 34 years serving the community.

Smarties Pre-school, based at the Ministry of Defence Joint Services Unit off Bradford Road, shut its doors for the last time after receiving its marching orders from the MOD, which is vacating the land.

Linda White, of Ashwood Road, has worked at the nursery for 28 years and has spoken of her sadness that it has had to close.

She said: “It is the end of an era and it is a big chunk of my life gone.

“I was very sad to see the children leave for the last time, but it was a good send off. I’m sure they will be tapping me on the shoulder in Sainsbury’s in ten years time.

“My own son is 37 and he came here. We have had some lovely experiences and we have seen the children blossom. I will keep in touch with a lot of the children once they leave.”

The four staff at the centre heard just a month ago that they would have to move to another location to allow the MOD to press ahead with its £800m plans to redevelop Basil Hill Barracks.

When the work is completed it will mean that the base will supply communications services for the Armed Forces worldwide.

Tracy Milne, a parent at the nursery, said: “We feel sad that it is closing.

“I am lucky because my kid goes to school in September but others have been left without childcare.

“We have some children on the waiting list for next year and now they’ll have to look elsewhere too.”

Playworker Theresa Ham, who has worked at Smarties for 16 years, said: “It has been really enjoyable and it has been the best job I’ve ever had, so it’s a very sad occasion. I would have liked for it to carry on but it just wasn’t possible at such short notice.”

Children enjoyed face painting activities, a bouncy castle, and games of hide and seek and pass the parcel on their last day. They were also allowed to bring their scooters and bikes.

Last Friday a toy sale was held at the nursery to clear the building. Larger play equipment has been donated to neighbouring nurseries.

The facility was set up as RAF Rudloe Preschool but so few service children took up places that the nursery was opened up to the general public.

No-one from the MOD was available to comment about the closure of the pre-school.