WELLAND Pre-School has not given up on finding a 'home' of its own, despite a planning appeal for new premises being turned down.

The pre-school meets in the dining hall at Welland Primary School, but wanted to build in a car park next to the school.

However, concerns for the loss of two trees on the site - a mature horse chestnut and a lime - led to refusal of planning permission by Malvern Hills District Council last year. The pre-school's appeal against that decision has failed.

"Obviously we're very disappointed with the decision but we're not giving up. We'll just have to start looking for a different site," said pre-school chairman Sarah Husband.

She said it was a shame so much importance had been attached to the trees, when so many people in the village supported their plans.

"We're going to carry on fundraising and we'll still apply for lottery funding while we look for an alternative location." said Mrs Husband.

She said the new pre-school would ideally be close to the primary school, so the strong links between the two could be maintained.

The pre-school want premises of its own so that it can expand the services it offer to include lunchtimes and after-school care.

The pre-school has been established for more than 30 years and provides care to more than 30 local children.