FOLLOWING a mammoth effort by local communities and businesses in and around the Chepstow area, Thornwell Primary School's Fire Appeal has reached the astounding sum of £5,000 in just seven weeks.

When news that a fire had torn through the school on Bulwark Road in the early hours of June 3, destroying the Nursery and Infant building, began circulating across the town, the community sprang into action to come to its aid.

Donations of toys, books, and a wide variety of play equipment began pouring in, and many local shops and stores began charity collections at their tills. Fundraisers were organised, financial support offered, and the Free Press launched a campaign to widen the scope for help.

A fun day held at The Two Brewers in Bulwark made £660 towards the appeal and the Chepstow based bridge and wind turbine manufacturer, Mabey Bridge, donated a staggering £1,000 to show its support to the school.

Local schools also helped their fellow pupils, with Chepstow Comprehensive, Wyedean and Offas Mead students collecting £472, £500 and £200 respectively from non-uniform days, and esidents from The Reddings, rallied together to collect over £40.

And it was not just locals who were touched by the story- the school received a $100 cheque from Mr and Mrs Beckerich who live in America, who said they had been moved by the children's plight. Money was also sent in from Holland by the grandparents of two pupils.

Headteacher, Linda Davies said she and staff had been overwhelmed by the way the community had rallied together to raise the large sum, and that the current figure raised had exceeded all her expectations.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted. It has really been heartwarming and brought the whole community together. They have galvanised our efforts here."