A former Southampton salon has been transformed into a pre-school for Shirley families after being left abandoned. 

The building in Warren Avenue, Shirley, has been vacant for a number of years after previously being occupied by a hair salon and nail technician.

At the end of January, nursery company Little Caterpillars submitted a retrospective planning application to make use of the abandoned space.

Daily Echo: The Little Caterpillar teamREAD MORE: Hair salon could reopen as pre-school

The two-bedroom flat above the former hairdressers has also been empty since 2008.

The pre-school is owned by Manjinder Patter, and is managed by Suky Kaur and Becky Smith.

The pre-school was officially opened by Alison and Alex Neville, who supported the pre-school team with setting up the business and cut the ribbon.

Daily Echo: Becky said: "We are hoping to help the community within the area with by providing childcare for families and provide a safe, stimulating and a caring environment.

"We hope to promote enthusiasm towards learning and promote each child's development."

The nursery is open five days a week and operates between the hours of 8.30am to 3pm, similar to a typical school day.

The nursery caters for up to 34 children between the ages of two and five.

Little Caterpillars has also had Ofsted visit the building and confirm it is suitable to be accepting children.

The preschool is now open and is welcoming families.