TWO towering stars of British basketball have gone back to school to reinstate early years education to one North-East village.

Formidable Newcastle Eagles players Andrew Thomson and Rahmon Fletcher officially opened Bishopton Redmarshall Nursery to end months of misery for families in the area.

Parents in Bishopton, near Darlington, had been forced to take their children to nurseries several miles away after the only nursery in the village closed last year following financial issues.

But a partnership between Bishopton Redmarshall CE Primary School governors and North-East construction company Esh Group, has revived the village’s education facilities.

Neville Briscoe, Bishopton Redmarshall CE Primary School’s chair of governors, said: “We are extremely grateful for the help we received from Esh Group and all other contributors.

“Bishopton now has a superb nursery facility that can serve the parents and young children in the local community.”

Esh Group have been the official Newcastle Eagles sponsors since 2010 and the two northern powerhouses have worked together to deliver assemblies in schools to promote healthy living and an active lifestyle.

Pupils present during the nursery’s official opening this week were also invited to join in with activities led by the British Basketball League’s elite.

Mr Thomson, a six foot nine forward with the North-East’s only top-flight basketball squad, balances his on-court duties with an Esh Group day job delivering community programmes to schools across the region.

Graham Morgan, divisional director of Esh Property Services, said: “Esh Group was delighted to be able to support this project and we wish Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School and Nursery every success in the future.”