After more than 30 years of looking after pre-school children, a Gillingham nursery has closed for the final time.

The Busy-Bees nursery, which met at the Parochial Hall in Ingram Road, Gillingham, closed due to fears that it wouldn’t be able to compete with a new nursery which opens later this month at Saxon Way Primary School.

A party was held with a magician, food and games to say goodbye to staff, parents and children.

Members of staff were also presented with flowers and a chain of bees by committee members.

Supervisor Julie Smith said: “We thought it was better to go out on a high than be in direct competition and struggle.

“We had 20 children on our books, the majority of which will transfer to the new nursery.

“It was a very sad time for all of us.”