A new nursery run by many former members of staff at Smarties in Ripley has opened.

Smartie Land in nearby Brearton is a joint venture between Lesley Kelsey, who was a director at Smarties, and Viscount Mountgarret, who lives in South Stainley.

The nursery, which also operates a holiday club, is situated in former kennels on Viscount Mountgarret’s estate.

Ms Kelsey said the business, which opened this month and can cater for 62 children, benefited from its rural setting and spacious facilities.

She said:

“The closure of Smarties left a gap. When it closed we had about 90 children on our books.

“Houses are going up left, right and centre around Harrogate and they tend to attract families and we are here for them.

“Smarties was a one-off. It wasn’t part of a chain and this will be the same. You can offer a different service when you’re not part of a chain.”

Read more:

• Plan approved to convert former Smarties nursery in Ripley into home
• Smarties nursery in Ripley to close next month
• Parking meters installed in Ripley car park

Smarties, which opened in 1987 and catered for 52 children, closed last year.

The building is part of the Ripley estate owned by Sir Thomas and Lady Emma Ingilby, who decided not to renew the lease.

This month Harrogate Borough Council approved plans by Sir Thomas to convert the former nursery into a house.