PARENTS who fought to save a Chipping Sodbury nursery from closure last year have now embarked on a major improvement and publicity campaign.

Mums and dads with youngsters at St John's Mead Nursery were distraught when their much-valued nursery was reviewed by South Gloucestershire Council - along with the area's seven other authority-run pre-schools - sparking fears that it may be closed or merged.

They have since celebrated the safeguarding of the nursery but want to spruce up the building and garden to ensure all 60 places for 2005 are full. Reporter Ali Dent visited the town's only free nursery to find out more.

EVEN those with children at St John's Mead Nursery admitted the building - within the site of the primary school of the same name - looked shabby and neglected.

Despite the classrooms inside being warm, colourful and child-friendly, there is no substitute for first impressions.

Mum-of-two Diane Walters said: "It is uninviting at the moment and first impressions can put parents off. But what goes on inside is fantastic and we want to reflect that outside."

Parents have united to tidy up the garden, repair damage caused by vandals and paint an eye-catching mural on the side of the building.

"Everything was so negative this time last year and we all fought so hard for the nursery," said Mrs Walters.

"We really did not think we would be here now but we are and we want to make the place more appealing to parents and children.

"We want to let people know what is going on here and give something back to the community which helped save the nursery."

A committee of parents and teachers has launched its very own advertising campaign, which will include listings in all local directories and phone books, leaflet drops to toddler groups and posters being placed in Chipping Sodbury's shops.

Teacher Sally Smith said that because the nursery was council-run supporters are limited in what they can do.

She said: "Parents have just gone out and asked local businesses for help and I have been absolutely bowled over by everyone's support.

"I would not expect to be in this position as a teacher."

Mrs Smith claimed that because the 15-year-old nursery offered a lunch-time club and the same slots for children every day, it offered real consistency - unlike some private pre-schools.

She said: "By offering children the same five sessions a week, they come to nursery confident that each time they will meet the same friends, just as they will when they go to school.

"It may suit the children better than the parents but consistency is so important for that age group."

The pre-school offers places for children with special needs and has three fully trained teachers.

As well as advertising, parents came together for a St Valentine's Day of fun-filled painting and tidying. They met at the nursery to give the place a face-lift and showed Northavon MP Steve Webb, who helped in the campaign to keep the school open, how much things had changed since last year.

Added Mrs Smith: "As well as minor repairs, we painted the walls, made new flower beds and created a gardening area for the children. Many local businesses have been very supportive of our fund-raising and makeover efforts and our thanks must go to them."

The nursery has 20 places still available for September 2005 and parents with children aged three or older, from anywhere in South Gloucestershire, are welcome to ring Mrs Smith on 01454 866504 to arrange a visit.