Nippers Nursery, which is based at the town's football ground and has been running for 15 years, has been put up for sale by current owner Moz Parsons.

"I'm really gutted about it but over the last two years things have changed so much," she said.

"The paper work has greatly increased – I now have to log all kinds of things the children do – and the fun has gone out of running it. I've decided enough is enough."

Should a buyer not be found, the group's last session will be at the end of July, meaning those on the waiting list for the new school term in September will have to find another nursery.

Currently, the nursery employs three full-time staff who would lose their jobs if a buyer cannot be found.

"I have told the current parents and those with children on the waiting list what is happening," said Mrs Parsons.

"What I'm hoping for is that a group of mums will come forward to take over the running of the group. I have already had an approach from one mum."

Before opening the nursery, Mrs Parsons spent 11 years working at Great Heath Primary School, before going on to gain the necessary childcare qualifications at college.

Recently, the Government has started asking nursery leaders to employ at least one university graduate in a bid to improve early years learning progress – something Mrs Parsons cannot justify.

"I can't afford to pay a university graduate the kind of wages they want," she added. "They don't want to work for £6 or £7 an hour. It seems as though experience no longer counts for anything."

The group is for pre-school children between two and five years old. After finishing their time at the nursery the children move on to one of Mildenhall's two primary schools.

If you are interested in buying the nursery, contact Mrs Parsons on 01638 716398.