CORONATION Street bad boy Dean Ashton (aka Corrie character Aidan Critchley) took centre stage when he officially opened a village school's new nursery.

The 24-place nursery opened in autumn occupying an empty classroom at St John's School in Mosley Common -- just two months after St John's was threatened with closure because of falling numbers.

Head teacher Jill Brennan, local councillors Stephen Hellier, Alan Stephenson and Brian Wilson and Mosley Common Vicar the Rev Julian Hartley have all been determined not to let St John's lose its place at the heart of the community. They hope the early years provision will help keep the school open.

Mrs Brennan said: "A lot of people have worked very hard so we can offer quality nursery care for three and four-year-olds that is accessible and affordable.

"Wrap-around care is an important part of our school, the after school club has always been popular and we are starting a breakfast club in January to make things even easier for parents."

Rev Hartley said: "The nursery is good news and is a much needed facility for the community. It benefits the school, parents and of course the children themselves."

Education chiefs are currently considering a number of options including the possibility of St John's CE amalgamating with nearby Boothstown Holy Family RC School to create one ecumenical school.