GAZETTE & HERALD: THE Gazette is launching an appeal today for new or nearly-new toys for the Honey Pot Nursery in Corsham, after a fire caused thousands of pounds of damage nine days ago.

The nursery suffered extensive smoke damage and the shed that contained all the playgroup's toys and equipment, including bicycles, was gutted. A bookcase full of hundreds of pounds of books was also destroyed.

Arsonists are believed to have been responsible for the blaze.

Family and friends of owner Christine Hughes have been working desperately to get the nursery, based in the grounds of Corsham Regis primary school, ready for the beginning of term on Wednesday.

And the Gazette wants to support them by offering toys, educational games and books.

Volunteers have been working round the clock to repair and redecorate the building so the nursery will open as scheduled.

"People were horrified to hear about the fire," Mrs Hughes said. "Some came in and just burst into tears."

Anyone wanting to donate new or nearly new teddies, books or educational toys, should take them in to the Gazette and Herald office at 31 Market Place, Chippenham.