NATIONAL figures show that, at 85 per cent, Trafford's take up of early learning for two year olds, is the North West’s third highest.

Nationally the average take-up was 62 per cent and Trafford's success has seen it placed sixth out of 152 authorities.

Executive member for children's services, Mike Cornes, said: "Being able to provide early learning places to so many of our children is welcome news, however we are determined to see a continuing improvement in our figures.

"We want to make sure everything possible is done to ensure all children are able to access a place and benefit from the learning environment.

"By working with partners and families, we can make sure that our children get the best possible learning opportunities from the earliest age. This will help build strong learning foundations on which they will build throughout their academic and adult lives as they strive to achieve their individual potential."