STAFF from the Little Acorns Playgroup in Chepstow say they have been overwhelmed by the response they have received from the community following the fire that left them without a venue.

Before the fire that tore through part of Thornwell Primary School on June 3, the playgroup which is run by Rachel Llewelyn-Bennett, Kath Butcher, Leesa Dyte along with volunteers, Heidi, Louise and Hayley, used the Sure Start demountable unit on the infant playground as its venue. But in the incident, which is still being treated by police as suspicious, the playgroup lost equipment, leaving its survival in question.

The playgroup's plight for support from the local community was immediately picked up by the Free Press and a campaign was launched to help both the playgroup and the primary school, which also lost a great deal of equipment in the fire.

Over the last few weeks, hundreds of items have been donated to both parties, and a fundraiser held at The Two Brewers pub in Bulwark raised a staggering £1,300. Speaking to the Free Press, Rachel said: "In the first two weeks we wouldn't have had a playgroup if it hadn't been for the public's support and we are so grateful for that. All money raised will be directly invested back into the playgroup, and currently all money raised is being used to create a secure fenced garden, patio area, storage container at our new venue at Burnt Barn Social Club."

She added: "Little Acorns Playgroup would like to thank all the businesses that helped us and are continuing to help us, they include the Burnt Barn Social Club, the Severn Bridge Social Club, Tesco, Studwelders Composit Floor Decks Ltd, H J Weir, Thornwell Football Club, Bulwark Post Office, Mathern Angels, Signs 4 You, Devilish Apparel, Herbert Lewis.

"We also like to thank all of the parents and the Committee girls of the Playgroup who have given invaluble support, and Linda & Steve who organised a fun day at the Two Brewers. To everyone else that helped that are not mentioned we are truly grateful."