THE HEAD of a Nelson nursery school today spoke of her vision for the future as Lancashire's first centre of excellence for early years children.

Audrey Wilson said she hopes work to transform Walton Lane Early Excellence Centre will begin in June this year.

She said: "We have our fingers crossed now, and we are hoping that the plans go through smoothly.

"If they do, we have been told work could start as early as June.

"This will be the start of something quite exciting for everyone in Pendle, and it has been down to the hard work and dedication of a very good team.

"We are thrilled that it may finally be going to happen.

"I won't believe it until that first brick is in the ground.

"Once the foundations are dug it might be quite symbolic, in that it will also mean better foundations for the families in our society."

Plans to demolish the existing nursery and build a new centre to include a nursery, a single-storey detached early excellence unit, and extensions to the existing pupil referral building, have now been submitted to Pendle Council by Lancashire County Council.

They will be considered by planning officers before the next meeting of the Nelson Committee on May 12.

The nursery was selected by the government last year to become one of 91 early excellence centres being developed throughout the country providing a 'one-stop shop' for children and parents in Pendle.

They will be able to place their child into nursery care while they get health advice, IT training, socialise in the cafe, or get career advice.

Mrs Wilson added: "I have felt very closely involved with the nursery children and their families.

"You feel socially responsible for what is happening in the community.

"We will be working shoulder to shoulder with Surestart and other agencies such as the health authority, family support groups and adult learning.

"It will be the only one in Lancashire, but we are hoping it can be replicated in other areas.

"Eventually we are hoping to develop youth facilities and looking at improving facilities for senior citizens so that we have something for everyone in the community."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "The development at Walton Lane will enable the delivery of a range of high quality early education and child care services in purpose-built accommodation.

"The funding has been made available through the county council and department for education and skills through the early excellence programme and the neighbourhood nurseries initiative."