A former face of the popular ITV show, This Morning has recently reopened a preschool in Cornwall.

Former This Morning and Ready Steady Cook host Fern Britton visited the newly refurbished Little Acorns Preschool situated between the villages of Penponds and Barriper, near Camborne.

Fern (centre left) with members of the Little Acorns team Fern (centre left) with members of the Little Acorns team (Image: Little Acorns Preschool) During the official reopening celebrations, the ex-Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother contestant was also tasked with a huge responsibility – judging the Halloween picture and pumpkin carving competitions.

She was joined by Frank Burbery, Little Acorns Preschool chairperson who was heavily involved in the refurbishment project.

The project was made possible thanks to £198,000 provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Fern was also tasked with judging the Halloween picture and pumpkin carving competition Fern was also tasked with judging the Halloween picture and pumpkin carving competition (Image: Little Acorns Preschool) Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have been allocated £137 million to spend on local investment through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

The works included the provision of a revamped playroom, a quiet area for children to nap or receive sensory breaks, outdoor decking with a canopy for all-weather play and an improved office space.

The manager at Little Acorns Preschool, Claire King explained why the refurbishment was desperately needed. “This refurbishment was essential; the ageing building was no longer fit for purpose. “It was incredibly damp and wouldn’t have survived another winter.

“Thanks to the UK Shred Prosperity Fund grant we now have a wonderful facility for the children who attend Little Acorns Preschool to enjoy.”

Works included the provision of a revamped playroom, a quiet area for children to nap or receive sensory breaks, outdoor decking with a canopy for all-weather play and an improved office spaceWorks included the provision of a revamped playroom, a quiet area for children to nap or receive sensory breaks, outdoor decking with a canopy for all-weather play and an improved office space (Image: Little Acorns Preschool) The redevelopment work was undertaken during the summer holidays, so disruption to children’s routine wasn’t affected.

Claire also said that the preschool was “thrilled” to welcome Fern: “We were thrilled that Fern Britton joined us to officially launch our refurbished and improved setting here on the grounds of Penponds School.”

 Little Acorns Preschool caters for young children aged from 18 months and is open weekdays during term time from 8.45 am to 3.15pm daily.

For more information visit littleacornspenponds.co.uk or telephone 01209 718990.