A COMMUNITY has rallied round to help a school which was hit by a devastating arson attack.

Around £4,500 worth of toys were destroyed in the blaze which was deliberately started in a shed in the pre-school playground of Guiseley Infant and Nursery School, in Oxford Road.

But now local people are responding to a social media appeal to make sure youngsters will have toys in time for the start of the new term in September.

Jenny Hayres, who is on a work placement at the pre-school, where her own daughter will be starting next month, helped to set up the appeal.

She said: " I just wanted to do something to help, but I never expected for one minute that using social media to flag up our dilemma would have had such an impact.

"Now, thanks to the generosity of the amazing people within the local community, what started as a desperately bad situation looks like it will finish on a really positive note.

"On behalf of the school, and in particular the children, we want to say a huge thank you to everybody who has come to our rescue."

The school was supported by Manning Stainton estate agents which spread word of the campaign and used its office as a drop-off point for toys.

Further donations can be made at the office in The Green, opposite Aireborough Leisure Centre, until August 31.

Clare Frieze, manager of the estate agent's Guiseley Branch said: "After hearing about the awful incident we were keen to provide whatever help and support we could. This included making our office the focal point for those wanting to deliver toys and other items.

"We also used our own social media channels to spread the word and encourage donations. In the first 24 hours a Facebook message we posted received over 80 shares which just goes to show how much this story has resonated with people."

The school is keen to receive books, story sacks and props and general teaching and visual aids. Jenny will also work with the Parents and Teachers Association to arrange a sale of any items which are unsuitable for children aged two to four years, with all proceeds going to the pre-school.

The arson attack, which happened between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on Monday, July 25, and which also caused extensive damage to the shed, prompted a police appeal for information about anyone seen acting suspiciously.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC2686 Sam Emsley at Otley Police Station via 101 quoting crime reference number 13160319577 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.