A NEW unit in Blackburn for pre-school and reception school children will be unveiled tomorrow.

It is the first time that the two age groups of children will be brought together in the borough.

The foundation' unit, at St Antony's RC Primary School, Blackburn, will house 56 pupils and cost £300,000 to build.

Within the building are two specially designed classrooms, which replace an old part of the building damaged by flooding.

Headteacher Margaret Compton said: "It provides superb new facilities for the children and staff and gives our youngest pupils a great sense of security and continuity for the first few years of their learning journey."

The project was funded by the Diocese of Salford and the Blackburn with Darwen Council.

A recent Ofsted inspection approved of the new unit.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for children's services, praised the building and said: "This is a lovely Christmas present for the children of St Antony's and I hope it really does give their early education the very best foundation."