It's been just over a year since Wells lost its daycare centre in Polka and parents were left abandoned.

Now, just 12 months on, those same parents are celebrating opening their own, independently run nursery

A special event saw invited people who helped make Little Gillies a reality given a tour on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, Helena Deakin,  chair of the trustees, said: “I wouldn’t have believed you If you had said to me this time last year that we would be standing here and celebrating what an amazing community can achieve when tasked with the impossible.

Fakenham & Wells Times: (LtR) Alex Triplow, Fran Marshall, Brodie Deakin, Helena Deakin, all trustees(LtR) Alex Triplow, Fran Marshall, Brodie Deakin, Helena Deakin, all trustees (Image: Cat Scoles photography - www.catherinescolesphotography.co.uk)

READ MORE - Children's nursery to close after council fails to find new provider

“Little Gillies was born through necessity; a community that needed a safe place for their small ones to be cared for; somewhere to enable parents to be able to work; and somewhere that employers could rely on so they could staff their businesses.

“This journey has not been easy, and not one I would choose to do ever again but I am glad we did it.

"I am proud of what we have created and I am humbled by the community spirit backing us all the way. At times when I wanted to throw in the towel this is what motivated me to keep going.

Fakenham & Wells Times: (LtR) - Rachel Williams (deputy manager), Donna Bishop & Naomi Tottle (early years practitioners), and Sarah Beresford (centre manager)(LtR) - Rachel Williams (deputy manager), Donna Bishop & Naomi Tottle (early years practitioners), and Sarah Beresford (centre manager) (Image: Cat Scoles photography - www.catherinescolesphotography.co.uk)

“There have been so many others in this very room who without your support, time and energy, we would not be where we are today.

 "I cannot thank you enough for making this amazing nursery possible for the people of Wells and the surrounding area.”

Mrs Deakin thanked several people for their support in the project, including MP Duncan Baker, Nik Night, Val Chitty, the Holkham estate, Daniel Thrower, the Wensum Trust, Rachel Stroulger, all her staff, Steffan Aquarone, Norfolk District Council, and the community of Wells.

The centre welcomed its first children on November 27, 2023.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Little Gillies invited along people who helped it to become a realityLittle Gillies invited along people who helped it to become a reality (Image: Cat Scoles photography - www.catherinescolesphotography.co.uk)

Mrs Deakin added the group has many plans for its future.