CORONATION Street bad boy Dean Ashton, who plays Aidan Critchley, took centre stage when he officially opened a village school's new nursery.

The 24-place nursery opened in the autumn, occupying an empty classroom at St John's School, in Mosley Common, -- just two months after St John's was threatened with closure because of falling numbers. Headteacher Jill Brennan said: "A lot of people have worked very hard so we can offer quality nursery care for three and four-year-olds that is accessible and affordable."

Rev Hartley said: "The nursery is good news and is a much needed facility for the community. It benefits the school, parents and of course the children themselves."

Education chiefs are currently considering a number of options including the possibility of St John's CE amalgamating with nearby Boothstown Holy Family RC School to create one ecumenical school.