AN open morning at St Lawrence Pre-school in Alton last Saturday morning had the dual purpose of welcoming potential new parents as well as providing Hallowe’en fun for the youngsters.

Pre-school manager Debbie Morgan took over in February after running her own pre-school in Finland, where she also taught older students English.

Based at St Lawrence parish hall on Vicarage Hill, next to the church, Debbie said of her latest venture: “A lot of people didn’t know we (the pre-school) were here yet.

“We have been here since 1973 and we are in a central, beautiful location by the parish church.”

Since then she has worked hard to improve the facilities at the pre-school and a recent ‘good’ Ofsted report has shown how well she has succeeded.

On Saturday, she made it a fun morning for the children with a spooky castle to climb, a Hallowe’en craft-making section and, in the play area outside, a chance to make magic potions with coloured water.

“Every thing was free,” said Debbie. “We had sweets and cakes and tea and coffee for the parents, plus a lucky dip, and it was nice to welcome some new people to the pre-school. Also, I am getting enquires about new children starting with us.”

n St Lawrence Pre-school is open from 9am to noon Monday to Friday. For more details, call the parish centre on 01420 83234.