A NURSERY has celebrated being open 20 years with a tea party.

The Avenue Nursery School in North Petherton hosted the event and welcomed back all past staff, parents and children to mark the occasion.

Owner Christine Stevens said: “I’m pleased we had such a big turnout. The children helped to make cakes and things throughout the week and a parent made a large celebration cake. It was a group effort.

“We had two previous staff members attend, one of which had worked here around ten years ago.”

Christine, who is a qualified teacher, set up the nursery after helping to run a small playgroup and noticing a demand.

She said: “It started off small and now it’s continuing to thrive and go from strength to strength. I began with eight children and now I cater for 20.

“I think it’s become so successful because people recommend it to their friends.”