Parents in a village near Bradford can send their children to a neighbourhood nursery for the first time.

From September, children in Cottingley are able to start their education before the age of five without travelling to another part of Bradford.

A new 26-place nursery is being created at Cottingley Village Primary School which is doubling in size as part of the city's schools shake-up.

The refurbishment, which began in December, forms part of the £171 million reorganisation programme and will vastly improve facilities at the village community school.

Pupil numbers are set to rise from 280 to 500.

School leaders are thrilled with the changes. They even say they are going to miss the builders who managed to keep disruption to a minimum.

"We are very pleased with the results," said head-teacher, Christina Briggs. "The work was carried out while the building was occupied, and despite the initial concerns I had - as the site has difficult access and the playground was the only route for the contractor's vehicles and deliveries - I have to say the builders were excellent.

"They were understanding, flexible and worked in partnership with us. Staff were involved and consulted.

"It was a very positive learning experience for us all, and we do miss the builders now they have gone!

"We now have a primary school with a wonderful nursery and improved facilities in which all our children can enjoy learning - I'd like to thank everyone involved in the process."

Four classrooms within the existing building have been altered to create the new nursery. In addition, internal work was done to existing classrooms and a new disabled toilet and outdoor covered play area provided.

Bradford Council's executive member for education Councillor David Ward said: "Before the new nursery was created, parents had to take their children to another area of Bradford if they wanted them to start their education before the age of five.

"The new nursery is therefore a welcome and much-needed boost to the village's educational facilities.

"The new nursery will mean greater continuity for children in Cottingley as they move into primary education."