Arsonists who set fire to a playgroup building left more than 100 children without a base and destroyed thousands of pounds worth of equipment.

The vandals struck early on Saturday morning when they torched the Rainbow Playgroup at Glory Farm School, Hendon Place, Bicester. Though fire crews battled to save the hut, the building was destroyed.

Playgroup chairman Laura Price said: "This is obviously just mindless kids, but it has made a huge impact. We have lost everything, and all we can do is try to pick up the pieces and carry on as best we can.

"Not only have we lost all our toys and books, but all our records of addresses and waiting lists. Everything has been destroyed." The playgroup, which looks after 104 children between two-and-a-half and five, is appealing for donations of toys and equipment and the offer of a temporary base.

They would also like to hear from parents who had children on the waiting list.

Call Debbie Holland on 01869 247535 or Laura Price on 01869 246789.