A HIGHWORTH pre-school has thanked parents and businesses who raised money to replace play equipment destroyed by vandals.

Donations of money and equipment came flooding in to the Vorda Pre-School after the Evening Advertiser reported the damage in September.

Vandals struck days before children were due back after the summer holidays, wrecking climbing frames and slides in a garden at the back of the school in Brewery Street.

Around £700 has been donated, which has paid for a new climbing frame, two slides and a playhouse.

Catherine Albert, manager of the school, said: "We just really appreciate this support, and we are touched by the community spirit.

"Their generosity has been wonderful and it's lovely when the community pulls together like this.

"Without their help, we would have had to fundraise ourselves.

"It would have taken us two or three years to get enough money.

"The children would have really missed being able to let off steam playing on the toys."

Among the firms which rallied round to help were the Early Learning Centre in Swindon, TS Tech, on the Blackworth Industrial Estate, Highworth, and the Economic and Social Research Council's Sports and Social Club at North Star.

In addition, the Highworth Masons, which meet at the school, donated £100.

Malcolm Cocoran, production manager at TS Tech, which makes car seats, said: "We gave the school a trampoline and a sandpit.

"I was just disgusted after reading the article in the Adver, and just wanted to help.

"We are a local firm, and many local people work here.

"It was unfair that the children were losing out because of this stupidity."

Last year, the school, a registered charity, spent nearly £2,000 beefing up security after burglars broke in and stole electrical equipment worth £500.

But the garden, which is used as a playground for 80 children between two and five, was left unprotected.

Staff have complained in the past about youths who leave cigarette ends and empty bottles in the garden.

The school is now installing security lights in the garden.

After the burglary, parents showed their generosity by raising money to replace electrical equipment.

tlal@newswilts.co.uk