An innovative children's nursery and pre-school near Ashby has celebrated its first birthday - and is already looking to expand.

Evergreen Lodge on Main Street opened last year in Snarestone on the site of the village's former Alpaca Park Farm.

It accommodates 57 children, aged 0-5 years - and created 14 new jobs.

But demand has been so great that the facility is planning to grow so that it can take on more children.

Evergreen Lodge has also been nominated for The Small Business Awards after a successful first 12 months.

You can find details of how to vote HERE.

The nursery was set up by sisters Rachel Bird and Charlotte Saunders, who grew up in Snarestone, and run it on a day-to-day basis.

They are supported by Ashby couple Stacey and Carla Garey who complete the team of directors behind the venture.

Carla told Ashby Nub News about the progress made by the nursery over the past 12 months.

She said: "We're celebrating our first birthday and it's been a fantastic year.

"We've also been nominated for a small new business award with the finals in November.

"But we're a good example of 'riding the wave' following a significant increase in the demand for childcare in the last 12 months. We want to help fulfil the shortfall in the childcare industry by increasing the capacity in our very special setting. 

"At the moment, the demand for nurseries is through the roof. We're planning our expansion right now, we're almost full already and we hope to create another 20 spaces.

"We've far exceeded our expectations and are getting a lot of community involvement as a result.

"There have been charity events and lots going on in connection with the nursery."

Carla added there is a modern feel to the nursery which is proving popular with parents and children.

She added: "We follow the Curiosity Approach, and are dedicated to empowering our educators to embrace a teaching shift that prioritises curiosity, creativity, and holistic development. We minimise our environmental impact, through reducing waste and plastics and using natural resources. 

"The nursery is surrounded by wildlife and animals, alpacas, donkeys, pigs.

"We've seen what attracts people, and the outdoor space is what they're looking for. It's a modern facility, being as carbon neutral as possible and based around natural resources."

The nursery follows EYFS Development Matters - with a particular interest in the Curiosity Approach and In the Moment Planning.

Children are encouraged to develop their imagination as well as build confidence, social skills and curiosity.

You can find more details about Evergreen Lodge HERE.