PARENTS are celebrating the re-opening of their children's nursery after it was unexpectedly closed without even 24-hours notice.

Privately run Mapalim day nursery, based in North Cray Community Centre in Bedens Road, shut with immediate effect on June 27 leaving furious families without childcare.

Tearful staff, who looked after the youngsters aged up to five years old, were only told about the closure the night before.

Bexley Council has now found a new provider, Noah's Ark Day Nursery, which is operating out of the same building and will cater for 34 children.

Fourteen youngsters are currently attending, with more planning to start in September.

Parent Emma Giddings, whose four-year-old son Lewis attends the nursery, was upset when the centre closed.

The 38-year-old said: "It's fantastic, I'm so glad it's open again.

"I rely on the centre and it means I can do voluntary work again."

Fellow parent, Jackie Gowland, added: "We are delighted that the nursery has re-opened and with a number of the previous staff.

"The nursery environment is happy and positive."

Parents and staff were consulted on the various options and were invited to meet the provider to talk on a one-to-one basis.

Natasha Lyons, owner of Noah's Ark Day Nursery, said: "This nursery is another fantastic opportunity for me as I already have two successful day nurseries in the borough.

"Noah's Ark Day Nursery will be run to exactly the same standard as The Hospital Day Nursery and Jumping Jacks Day Nursery and all three nurseries will work in partnership to ensure that child care of the highest standard is provided."

Owner of Mapalim nursery, Patrick Foster, was unable to offer a clear explanation for the sudden closure at the time.

He told parents: "I have put £50,000 into this provision since March and I’m not prepared to put in any more.

"I do not see why I should be funding your children’s care."