LEADERS of a nursery in Burnley are bidding to nearly double their numbers thanks to additional government funding for two-year-olds.

Proposals have been lodged with Lancashire County Council’s planning department by governors at Rockwood Nursery, in Kingsland Road, for a modular building and extra play equipment.

Currently, Teddy’s Playgroup can handle up to 20 youngsters but the increased space would allow them to extend their numbers to 39. Under the scheme an oil storage tank will be removed to make way for the new building.

County planning officials have been told that support for the project has come from Whitehall funding to increase provisions for two-year-olds in areas ‘of most need’ before this September.

Outside there are plans for a sensory pathway, tightrope bridge, a water pump, digging area, and a stage area with seating, surrounded by a log fence, designed by Nelson-based Let’s Play Everywhere.