CHILDREN from the closure threatened nursery staged a special Christmas concert and invited all of Darlington’s councillors.

Only North Road Ward councillor Anne-Marie Curry was able to attend the afternoon show at Kids and Co Nursery, in Borough Road, which featured a host of festive singalongs.

The children also made Christmas cards for every councillor, including an especially large one for council leader Bill Dixon wishing him a Merry Christmas and calling on him to save the nursery.

Parents have until December 31 to come up with a viable business plan to help save the Kids and Co service which faces the axe due to cost-cutting.

Sarah Walker, who is spearheading the Save Kids and Co campaign, remains upbeat about the nursery’s prospects.

She said: “We’re feeling positive.

“It’s like we’ve opened this big tin of worms. I don’t think the council expected us to fight this hard but we are determined to do everything it takes to save the nursery.”

The 90-day consultation period on the future of the Kids and Co nurseries on Borough Road and Northwood ends on December 31 and the council’s cabinet is expected to discuss the issue at its meeting on January 8.

Darlington Borough Council has assured parents that if the two nurseries close, there will still be enough places in the town to accommodate children.