The Montessori movement is proving a hit, with Bowland Montessori Pre-school forced to find larger premises to satisfy increased pupil numbers.

In fact the pre-school, based at Sawley Village Hall for six months, witnessed pupil numbers more than double this year.

And to round off a successful year, its children, their parents and pre-school leaders held a treasure hunt in Sawley Abbey grounds followed by a picnic.

Developed by Italian Maria Montessori, the first Montessori school opened 100 years ago.

Pre-school leader Nancy Bigmore explained: "Some of the most popular activities among children have been everyday tasks like making toast and buttering it, mastering buttons and zips, grinding coffee beans and washing their own plate and glass after they have had their snack."

She went on: "The atmosphere is one of calm where you see young children concentrating for surprising periods of time. Children work at there own individual pace and naturally develop their own rhythm and work pattern, guided by a teacher with little intervention as long as they are working with the material productively."

The large increase in pupil numbers means the pre-school will now operate from St James' CE Primary School, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, where it will be open every day in term time.

However, the Bowland Montessori Toddler Group will continue to run on Mondays from Sawley Village Hall during term time.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the Montessori philosophy and pre-school can attend an open day at St James' on August 26th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Alternatively, Nancy can be contacted on 01200 429579.