TODDLERS have been riding their bikes to raise money for a new roof for their nursery school, which has passed its Ofsted inspection with flying colours.

This week Westwood Nursery held its annual fundraising bike ride around Westwood Park.

All the children took part and had great fun cycling around the park, which is next to the nursery.

Kate Eastwood, managing nursery teacher, said: "They can all cycle. Some have stabilisers but all the older children did a couple of laps of the park and the younger ones went around the nursery garden."

Bike rides took place all week so all the children got a chance to take part. Although 40 children attend the nursery altogether, there are only 14 in each session.

Family and friends showed their support for the roof project by sponsoring the children.

Last year the event raised about £350 but this year the nursery needs £2,500 to replace the roof.

The nursery building, which was converted in the 1980s, has a flat roof that first started leaking last year. It has been patched up a few times but now needs to be replaced completely.

Mrs Eastwood is hoping work will start in the summer, when the children are on holiday.

"We've never had to raise this amount of money before," she said.

The nursery, a registered charity, will also have a jumble sale later in the year and Mrs Eastwood plans to write to local residents.

She said: "Many people who live here have children who attended the nursery so we hope some people may like to help out."

The nursery recently passed its Ofsted inspection with flying colours.

It was awarded the highest possible category of "very good" in all six areas of the foundation stage curriculum, language and literacy, mathematics, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical development and personal, emotional and social development.

Mrs Eastwood said: "We were really very pleased."

The Ofsted report said the nursery has "a bright and welcoming building".

The nursery is open every day, with sessions for three and four year olds in the mornings and two-year-olds in the afternoon, all looked after by the five members of staff.

Anybody interested in making a donation towards Westwood nursery's roof or who would like information about nursery places for their children in September can call Mrs Eastwood on (01225) 863117.