THE end of an era was marked at a Halesowen pre-school nursery, which is being forced to move after 32 years, with graduation celebrations for summer leavers.

The nursery was given notice to quit Manor Way Primary School, which is now part of the Windsor Academy Trust, after the bombshell news that its yearly rent was being hiked from £2,800 to £25,000.

But it is to relocate to the Scout hut in Ambrose Close, off Gorsty Hill, where it will open in September as Coombs Wood Nursery.

Manager Carol Bennett, who has worked there for 29 years, said: “We are very sad to be moving and in the way were forced to go, but it is onward and up now and we are very positive about the new venture.”

Many of the children are moving with her and the rest of the eight staff known as “aunties” who said farewell and good luck to the 30 youngsters starting primary school in September.

There was a picnic and ice creams, with children’s entertainer Mr Popple providing lots of laughs and the leavers performed action songs for parents, before receiving certificates.

The nursery has catered for 57 youngsters this year, with up to 26 at any one session. Twenty-three children are already signed up for the Coombs Wood Nursery.

Mrs Bennett added: “The Scouts have been extremely supportive, without their help we could not have done this.”