Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois cut the ribbon to officially open the new Jelly Beans pre-school at Hockley Primary School.

The new pre-school, which can cater for up to 30 pupils, is being run in association with Hockley Primary School and will be using the internationally renowned Montessori method of teaching pre-school pupils about the world around them.

Mr Francois said: “A lot of people were involved in bringing this project to fruition successfully, led by Melissa Heatherson, the very active headteacher at Hockley Primary School.

“This new facility will be an asset not just to the school but to the local community. I wish the new pre-school all the very best of success for the future.”