PARENTS have been left just a few weeks to find an alternative after being told a much-loved nursery school is to close.

The Shillingstone Nursery, at Shillingstone House, will shut at half term and parents of the nearly 100 children on the role have been told money problems are behind the decision.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: "My wife went to pick up our son and was told it would be closing at half term. The reason given was financial.

"I think people were perplexed at the short notice and I was a bit cross at first but the overwhelming feeling is one of sympathy.

"It really is a fantastic nursery, the staff are brilliant. It is a wonderful establishment and I can't praise it enough."

The nursery was founded in 1991 by Caroline Salt in the grounds of her own home and caters for children from surrounding towns and villages as well as Shillingstone itself.

It provides full day-care all year round, making it a popular choice for parents who both work full time, as many nurseries operate only in school hours.

A statement from the school said: "It is with great sadness that Shillingstone House Nursery is closing next month. It has been a terrible decision to make but we can no longer remain viable and maintain the standard of care for which the nursery is so well known. We are all devastated by the news.

"The excellence of our reputation would never have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our children and the support of our parents. The nursery would like to take this opportunity to thank them all and wish them the best in the future."