PUFFINS nursery in Dawlish has celebrated its first birthday.

The nursery, part of the Puffins of Exeter group, was chosen by Devon County Council to provide desperately needed places for young children in the town.

It took over the premises previously run by Little Swans preschool which closed following safety concerns made to regulator Ofsted.

The closure left parents struggling as Dawlish already had an acute shortage of childcare places for under fives.

Now Puffins is marking the first year of opening with a special afternoon tea attended by the new Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Anne Heywood.

A spokesman for the nursery said: ‘What an incredible first year it has been for Puffins at Dawlish.

‘We are celebrating our first birthday and reflecting on a fantastic year filled with friendship, support, laughter, and community spirit.

‘It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything Puffins at Dawlish has achieved in its first year and to thank everyone who has supported us along the way.

‘A huge thank you to our amazing team and everyone who has been part of the Puffins journey so far.

'Your kindness and encouragement have helped make Puffins such a welcoming and valued part of the community.

‘Here’s to many more years of making memories together.’

Puffins operates from the same premises next to Westcliff Primary School which underwent interior improvements before opening.

It operates Monday to Friday for children from babies up to and including the age of five.

Priority for places was given to families living in Dawlish.

The appointment of Puffins followed a rigorous selection process and is delivering much-needed nursery places.

Dawlish has had a lack of childcare for children under the age of five for a number of years, partly due to a lack of suitable available buildings.