A NURSERY school is closing after 25 years due to funding issues and the headteacher retiring.

Blockley Nursery School directors say that the nursery has had to close due to changing government regulations, which now require nurseries to provide 30 hours of free education a week instead of 15.

The decision has left the nursery unable to stay open in addition to news of headteacher Ruth Lamb retiring.

Sheila Weir, one of the directors of the school said: "I am very upset as I helped to open the nursery school 25 years ago and it has been a wonderful service.

"However, the changes in government regulations mean that we cannot keep it open as well as the headteacher retiring and no-one to take their place.

"A lot of small nurseries, particularly in small villages are having a problem.

"It is a shame for working parents who don't want to have to go far to take their children."

At present all three- and four-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of free early education over 38 weeks.

However, from September 2017 the Government will be doubling the amount of free childcare from 15 to 30 hours a week for working parents of three- and four-year -olds.

Mrs Weir believes the government's decision could affect as many as one in five Gloucestershire nurseries.

A total of five staff members lost jobs, however they have all found work, many at a nearby nursery where a lot of the 30 children it cared for have also joined.

The nursery, in Bell Lane near Moreton will close its doors for the final time on Friday (July 21).

They will sell their nursery and kitchen equipment on Monday (July 24) from 10am until 4pm.

For more information about the sale, contact Mrs Weir on 01386 700726