STAFF from a Runcorn nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted have secured new jobs days after their building closed.

Butterflies in East Lane was shut down by the Department for Education on Friday following the Government's decision to transfer 220 civil servants to Manchester and sell the Castle View building.

Dunkys Day Nursery in Weston Point has recruited 20 Butterflies staff and provided places for 70 children who started on Monday.

The Mather Avenue building has had a £30,000 refurbishment to create extra space.

Owner Siobhan O'Carroll, aged 42, said: "It went amazingly well. Children had three visits over the summer and we've had team building events for staff. The children have kept their main carer. We've kept it as seamless as possible."

Butterflies manager Jane McLean, aged 39, from Ditton, has taken over as manager.

Siobhan added: "Butterflies was the only Runcorn nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted. Their staff bring expertise, knowledge and experience here. Many of them have provided childcare for 21 years.

"I used to be deputy manager at Butterflies. We have worked on projects together. It feels natural that we have now amalgamated."

Facilities for toddlers and out of school activities on the first floor have received an extensive makeover.

New windows, new furniture and a new bathroom have been fitted and walls and floors replaced.

The nursery has state-of-the-art biometric fingerprint door access and CCTV cameras in all rooms.

It has a large garden with a nature trail and space for children to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

All meals are cooked freshly on site by a chef.

The children also look after two hens, Molly and Milly.

Siobhan added: "We did an egg experience project with the children. Our own eggs hatched into chicks and we couldn't part with them.  Children now collect eggs and learn about cooking them. It is a brilliant experience for them."