A PRESCHOOL in Weymouth has announced it is set to close.

Smarties Pre-school, in Dorchester Road, is closing on Friday, July 22 due its lease longer being renewed after more than 30 years of providing care to children and their families.

Smarties runs from Broadwey Methodist Church Hall, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic the church has closed its doors to its congregation and it is no longer used as a regular place of worship.

The pre-school was originally known as Broadwey Playschool before being taken over by current owner Angela Morris in 1998 - who renamed it Smarties.

She said: "We have looked into relocating, but starting again would be a risk and a lot of work especially if we could not stay in the same area.

"I'm very sad about what is happening, but feel that this is my opportunity to step down from childcare."

Ms Morris, who is retiring, started out as a childminder while raising her own three children and then worked as a preschool assistant at Broadwey Playschool.

Families back then would have known her as Aunty Angie.

She added: "I'm so lucky to have had staff who have been so loyal and hardworking.

"Most of them have been with me for over 18 years including my sister Tina who helps out on a voluntary basis, and my daughter Claire Roper.

"This has added to the family feel that Smarties has always had.

"I'd like to thank the surrounding settings who are accommodating the children who will lose their place with us."

Mrs Roper said: "I'm so proud of what mum has achieved over the years she has put her heart and soul into providing such an amazing fun place for children to learn and develop.

"I'm so glad to have been a part of it."

Parent Jodie Mulhearn said: "I'm sad to hear Smarties is closing.

"I have five children. My eldest is now 23 and my youngest is three - and all of them have attended Smarties.

"The teachers have been fantastic over the years. Nothing has been too much trouble for them.

"I cannot express my gratitude enough for looking after and helping my children."