Basildon's newest nursery has been overwhelmed with demand since opening in a top sports centre.

Gatehouse Nursery Services has beaten all expectations for its first few months - taking around £9,000 each month more than other branches of the nursery.

Each month extra staff are being taken on as new youngsters are put on the list.

The nursery opened in the David Lloyd Leisure and Tennis Centre on the Festival Leisure Park in April and has already welcomed its 44th member through the door.

The centre also offers a crche to members of the sports centre - with an eight day waiting list.

Manager Taji Sahota and her staff have been taken completely by surprise by the speed of the nursery's success.

She said: "Other Gatehouse Nurseries are taking up to £2,000 each month. In our first month, we took £11,000. Not all of our branches are based in centres like this. I am sure that is what has added to our appeal.

"We have been very surprised how quickly this has picked up. It has been shocking."

Welcome aboard - nursery workers Louise Norman, Taji Sahota and Lorraine Heys with youngsters Lauren Pink three, Eve Prestwich, three, Owen Mills, two, Basil Midgley, two and Ellen Mayer, two

Picture: NICK ANSELL

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