STATE of the art facilities in a modern but homely environment will soon be on offer to parents looking for the best in childcare and education. Blackberries has announced that it will be relocating its Wisbech setting to just a short walk from its curren

STATE of the art facilities in a modern but homely environment will soon be on offer to parents looking for the best in childcare and education.

Blackberries has announced that it will be relocating its Wisbech setting to just a short walk from its current Norwich Road site. Extensive work on the former Trinity Surgery will be completed before the February opening.

It is an exciting prospect for Deborah Hutler who has seen her business expand rapidly over seven years. She now has two hugely successful day nurseries in Wisbech and March. Refurbishment work at her March nursery is also planned for the near future.

Deborah did have plans to extend the current Wisbech premises but increasing demand for high quality child care called for a re-think. She hit on the idea of transforming the former surgery which has been derelict for a number of years. The move will see provision increase from 15 to more than 50 youngsters aged between 0-14 years.

With work costing around �140,000 Deborah says facilities will be second to none and the building will be something for residents to be proud of.

Despite the increased numbers of youngsters, Deborah said: "The ethos of providing a home environment will be maintained. There will be separate areas appropriately furnished and equipped for the different age groups."

There will be a designated baby unit and all playrooms will have access to imaginatively planned and secure outdoor areas. A dining hall will bring youngsters together to enjoy nutritious home cooked meals.

Baby yoga and music classes for youngsters are planned and there will be an opportunity for parents to join in activities in the indoor shared free play area.

With a before and after school club and a holiday club, older children will have their own common room equipped with computers to help with homework. There will also be facilities for them to prepare their own snacks. In the common room leisure area there will be a football table and pool table.

The increase in numbers will necessitate the recruitment of more staff and Deborah offers apprenticeships having close links with both the College of West Anglia and Connexions.

Deborah said: "Wisbech needs a boost. There are a lot of young families who deserve something which is inspired, upbeat and modern like this. I have a dedicated team with me and without them I could not have achieved this.