West Bromwich Albion players Ahmed Hegazi and Bakary Sako took time out of their busy training schedule to officially open Moorlands Little Learners pre-school in West Bromwich.
The footballers cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the newly built nursery, within the school grounds on Winchester Road, that was saved from closure during 2017.
The nursery was temporarily moved to a nearby church hall after their building in school grounds was deemed unsuitable.
Sandwell Council was able to step in to prevent closure by funding the new £300,000 building as a permanent base for Moorlands Little Learners.
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services, attended the opening. He said: “I know how concerned parents were at the possible closure of this nursery and I’m glad we were able to find the money to help fund Moorlands Little Learners.
“It was lovely to see the new building and meet staff and parents and as a life-long Baggies fan, I was thrilled to meet Hegazi and Sako at the opening.”
Kate Roberts headteacher at Moorlands Primary school said: “We are so pleased with our new building and hope it will be put to full use in the coming months.
“If we get enough take-up of places, we hope to be able to offer the government’s scheme of 30 hours of free childcare for families in the community.
“We were all thrilled to meet the players from West Bromwich Albion and thank them for coming to open our new building.”
