A LOCAL nursery celebrated its 21st anniversary last year.

Westfield Nursery, established in October 1997, celebrated its birthday with a host of activities for children and staff.

Pre-school children were treated to a trip to a Nell Bank Outdoor Centre, in Ilkley, on Monday, October 1.

This was followed by a party day for all at the nursery on Wednesday, October 3.

The event included all the trimmings, such as a huge cake, balloons and singing, and children were also allowed to come along in their party clothes.

Yesterday evening marked chance for staff to celebrate who went for a meal and drinks at Aldo's in Greengates.

Nestled at the back of cul-de-sac Sorrin Close, Idle, the nursery has cared for over 1100 children and has employed 183 staff members over its 21 years of operation.

But, ownership has remained consistent throughout, with Emma Pearson and Rebecca Wilson heading the nursery since they opened in 1997.

The duo said they are both very much hands on at the nursery, as well as controlling the business in the background.

Mrs Wilson said: "In this day and age with the amount of nurseries closing due to funding cuts it is a huge achievement to continue in business, especially without selling up to the big chains."