Big help from community after pre-school burgled

Businesses and relatives of children at a West Pinchbeck pre-school hit by a burglary have been pulling together.

Ladybirds – a voluntary managed community charity pre-school in Leaveslake Drove – had £1,000 of goods stolen overnight on February 9, including an Xbox, Ipad and a specialist computer for early years education.

Manager Kathleen Amess’ niece Jessica Lane has set up a crowdfunding page (seach “Jessica Lane” on www.justgiving.com) to raise £500.

Ladybirds chairman Victoria Huggins said: “We have some very kind parents and grandparents who have donated and pledged money.
“Homebase have donated a max strength padlock and the amazing Glenside Nurseries in West Pinchbeck have pledged £100.

“We have also had generous parents come by with replacement things to get us by in the meantime, such as a games station, and we are very grateful.
“Others have popped in with chocolate biscuits and words of kindness.”

She added: “This break-in has saddened us at Ladybirds and our community because of how we all work so hard to maintain our setting anyway.
“All money raised will go towards equipment for our Ladybirds, ensuring they have excellent opportunities and improving our security.

Meanwhile, Spalding and District Round Table let Ladybirds staff fundraise alongside JDRF at its boxing night last Saturday.

Victoria added: “I’d like to thank Round Table, JDRF and our selfless staff who spent their own time at this event raising much-needed funds for us.”