HAPPY Tree Nursery in West Drayton has been sold for an undisclosed fee.

It was opened in 2010 by lifelong friends Kay Patel and Majella McElwee, who had met at training college and decided they would run a day nursery together.

The nursery is in a purpose-built property in Admiralty Close, off Kingston Lane, on the edge of a housing estate. 

The buyer is Grandir UK, which takes the group’s portfolio to 72 across the Midlands and South. Christie & Co advised on the sale.

Kay and Majella built the nursery from a shell in September 2009 and opened the doors to youngseters four months later.

“We decided to sell as we are semi-retiring and want to take on new challenges,” the pair said. “We have loved every minute, even when times were tough.

We definitely feel we have left the nursery in safe hands.”

Sophie Willcox, of Christie & Co, who handled the sale, added: “I have known Kay and Majella for a while and always met for a chat at nursery events throughout the years.

“I am delighted they trusted me to find their nursery a new home.”