A south Norfolk nursery has announced it will close after 33 years - despite being at full capacity.

Stepping Stones Children's Nursery School - based at Woodton Primary School, near Bungay - will shut at the end of the summer term. 

Kim Harper, nursery owner and manager, said it could not stay at its current location because the school needed the space it occupied, and she was unable to find a new site to move to.

Mrs Harper, who has run the nursery for the past 13 years, said the decision to close was made with a "heavy heart".

She said: "It is a tough decision which we are really sad to announce.

"But unfortunately we have been left with little option due to being unable to continue in our current premises and failing to find a new suitable premises.

"We will be holding a celebration for pupils and parents and all involved with the nursery at the end of the summer term.

"For the meanwhile will all make sure that the next six months or so are filled with fun, joy, laughter and learning.

"We will not cease delivering superb levels of education until the very moment we close the nursery door for the final time."

It comes despite moves to increase the size of the village. A South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (VCHAP) has included a proposal for 50 new homes on land south of Church Road.

And Mrs Harper said the decision to close was nothing to do with a lack of children.

She said: "We are currently at maximum capacity, with reiterates the complications.

"We are still receiving daily inquiries for vacancies, and have the pupils and staff, just no longer a space to run.

"But it's important we remain positive and are working closely with Norfolk County Council to ensure continuing students will be relocated appropriately."

The nursery was founded by Jo Fisher in 1989 and was originally based in Hedenham Village Hall.

After outgrowing that site it moved to the All Hallows site in Ditchingham in 2001. 

The nursery was based at Seething Village Hall in 2008-2009, and then relocated to a purpose-built nursery unit at Woodton Primary School.

Mrs Harper attended the nursery herself as a youngster in 2001. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Stepping Stones is based at Woodton Primary School on the Norwich RoadStepping Stones is based at Woodton Primary School on the Norwich Road (Image: Google)