A PRESCHOOL has launched fundraising drive to renovate an outdoor play area which is currently 'unsafe.'

Southmoor Pre-School near Abingdon needs £6,000 for the first phase of its garden project, which will eventually see new play equipment and a sandpit installed for children to enjoy.

Bloor Homes, which is building a development in nearby in Kingston Bagpuize, has donated £500 to the cause, and preschool deputy manager Sara Cook is hoping other businesses will also come forward to support the project.

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She said: "About a quarter of our outdoor play area is currently out of bounds for safety reasons due to the sloping surface, so we are very keen to bring that back into use.

"The first phase of the project will involve groundworks to level the middle area of the garden which will enable us to do that.

"At the same time, we wanted to take the opportunity to improve our outdoor play facilities, so in phase two of the renovation we will be laying wetpour with letters and numbers to enable the children to learn while they play.

"We asked the children what play equipment they would like to have, and the overwhelming response was a big sandpit so this will be included in the third and final phase of the project.

"We are extremely grateful to Bloor Homes and our other donors for their support. We have already raised £2,250 so any assistance that local businesses could provide to help us reach our target would be greatly appreciated."

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Luke Southgate, regional sales director at Bloor Homes Southern, said: "Having previously supported the preschool we know what an important role it plays within the local community, so we are delighted to make this contribution towards its new outdoor play area, which will provide a fantastic learning environment for the children."

To make a donation, call Sandra Nicholas on 01865 821505.