A PLAYGROUP devastated by a fire at a local school will rise from the ashes after the community rallied round.

Staff at Little Acorns Playgroup were told they would not be able to use their Sure Start demountable building indefinitely following the fire at Thornwell Primary School in the early hours of Friday morning.

Without being able to salvage toys, books and towels for the children, members of staff were left with nothing, and tried to get together what they could.

But now they should be able to restart next Monday after they were offered the use of Burnt Barn Social Club in Bulwark.

The three members of staff, headed by playgroup supervisor Rachel Llewelyn-Bennett, have appealed for donations on Twitter and Facebook so the group can get back on its feet.

Running for around 20 years, it caters for around 18 children on Monday to Thursday mornings and a wrap around club at lunchtime.

Before the fire, numbers were on the up, said Ms Llewelyn-Bennett, and the club relies on fees from parents to keep it going.

The dedicated staff are adamant they will not take a wage until the playgroup is functional again – their insurance only covers them for equipment at a low level.

But despite their heartache at seeing the devastation, staff are determined to carry on.

“We have got to move forward,”

Ms Llewelyn-Bennett said. “We are non-profit making but we are a business and want to provide a service. We have worked tirelessly but we’d never give up.”

Ms Llewelyn-Bennett also stressed people should continue supporting the school, adding any toys donated for children over the age of four years old would be given to them.

Police appeal for information

GWENT Police are appealing for information following the fire at Thornwell Primary School.

A spokesman for the force said it is believed the fire started in the school grounds and spread to the main building, causing extensive damage.

Police and the fire service were alerted at around 1am and no one was injured in the incident.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 01633 838111.