A village nursery is appealing for help as it is threatened with imminent closure.

The Daffodil Nursery, in Long Hanborough, has been told it will have to move from its hired building in Main Road, possibly by August 1.

The nursery is negotiating for an extension of time, but is desperately seeking a new home to cater for more than 40 children of mainly pre-school age.

Founder Sue Gibson said: "We have searched for new premises, but it is difficult to fund a property that will measure up to the strict guidelines to which we must adhere as a nursery."

The nursery was told last autumn that it would have to move, when owners Hewden Hire were taken over by a multinational group which plans to redevelop the Long Hanborough site.

But one attempt to move into alternative premises, in nearby New Yatt, fell through because of the stringent criteria required for running a nursery.

Mrs Gibson's husband, Pat, said: "The process was so drawn out and hampered by rules and regulations that we lost the building when we were informed the agent had sold the property."

Parents and staff have now been given notice of closure.

Mike Leggett, of the Oxfordshire Federation of Small Businesses, said the Daffodil Nursery plays a crucial part in the community. "It is conveniently housed close to Long Hanborough railway station, which makes it highly convenient for parents who commute."

The nursery needs a building of about 2,000sq ft, or suitable land for purpose-built premises.

Anyone who can help the nursery find new premises should call 01993 882132.