The Foxgrove Kindergarten has been run at Beckenham Cricket Club's old pavilion, in Foxgrove Road, Beckenham, for 27 years but has been told it can no longer use the building.

Since it opened in 1973, more than 1,300 youngsters have started their education at the playgroup -- including James Major, the son of former Prime Minister John, who is now an expectant father himself.

But founder Bunny England, 71, is stumped for a reason for the notice to quit and believes she is too old to start again at new premises.

She said: "We only started in 1973 when Kerrywood School in Winmoreland Road closed and a number of parents suggested I set up on my own.

"We spent ages pulling the lino off the floor and clearing all the dirt and making the building usable and now they've told us we have to stop running at the end of this term."

There is a two-year waiting list of parents desperate to send their youngsters to the kindergarten and 18 children currently attend.

Mrs England added: "They say they have found another user, which is within their rights, but I can't believe they have found someone who will pay more than we are. I'm too old to start all over but cannot see they will change their minds now."

Parent Sam Barnett, 27, was a pupil at the kindergarten and drives her son Jamie from Chislehurst to the Beckenham playgroup.

She said: "All the parents are devastated because it is such a wonderful nursery with a real family atmosphere. I have never known a child who did not want to come every day.

"I was even hoping to send my daughter here as well when she is old enough."

Neither Beckenham Cricket Club's president nor the chairman were available for comment as the News Shopper went to press.