A NEW nursery opened this week at Blackpool and the Fylde's central Blackpool campus - with some messy results.

Principal Reg Chapman got his hands dirty helping the 20 children whose parents all study at the college with their finger paintings.

The brand new nursery, which will be officially opened on November 5, is part of the college's £3 million investment in refurbishing the Central Blackpool campus on Palatine Road.

A total of 22 children aged two to five can enjoy the new facility, which houses a climbing frame, bikes, new books, games and a new playground, cared for by four fully-qualified nursery nurse staff.

In addition, the nursery will be also used as a training facility for college students on child care courses.

Reg Chapman said: "We are delighted with this superb facility on the Central Blackpool Campus which becomes our third nursery, the others being at our Bispham and Ansdell campuses.

"Without the provision of child care support, many students would not have been able to come to college and continue with their studies."

The refurbishment programme has also included the building of a new theatre where performing arts students have relocated from the St Annes campus.

The theatre will be in use from November 3-4 when students perform Edward Bond's Eleven Vests.

Call the college on (01253) 352352 for tickets.

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