A centuries-old school building near Reading has been saved from the bulldozers after being bought by a nursery provider.

Despite interest from property developers, The Cedars School in Church Road, Aldermaston, has been sold to Berkshire-based company Complete Childcare.

Renovations are underway inside but managing director Alec Hodson said the building’s historic aesthetic will be maintained.

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“We know we can do something special with this nursery; its size will allow us to offer a personal feel for both children and parents, giving us that sense of community that made us fall in love with it in the first place,” said Alec Hodson, managing director of Complete Childcare, which owns 15 day-nurseries.

“We will retain the historic look of the building and look forward to investing in high-quality resources for the children and nurturing each child through long-established and classical values of care and development.”

A former head teacher of Cedars school, which had been based at the site since 1992, said she was pleased the building will continue to help educate children.

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Jane O’Halloran said: “It’s important to me that the Cedars building, which was established for the education of children of the village, should continue to have children’s laughter ringing through it!

“I’m delighted that Alec and his team can carry Cedars on with the enthusiasm and affection our village deserves.”

Complete Childcare expect the renovation of the building, which is located near located near the Victorian manor house Aldermaston Court, to be completed in February.