THERE is relief in Brinkworth, after its treasured pre-school has pulled itself from the financial abyss.

Butterflies Pre-school has failed to turn a profit since 2011/12, and it was looking like 2017 would be its last year in the village.

However some savvy savings have helped keep the pre-school afloat – for now.

It’s sad to see such a vital service in a rural village come so close to closing down.

They are so important when it comes to early education but it is becoming harder and harder for pre-schools to stay solvent.

Due to rules on how many staff need to be with children at any one time at a pre-school and a government guarantee of 15 hours free childcare a week for three to four-year-olds, it will always be an uphill challenge.

Butterflies have steadied the ship expertly in what was becoming an emergency situation. We hope their new model of business will see them through for many more years to come.