A PLAYGROUP which was fire-bombed last Christmas has risen from the ashes to cele-brate its 20th birthday.

More than £3,000-worth of toys were destroyed when an arsonist targeted a storage shed belonging to St Mary's Play-group in December.

Bikes, climbing frames, balls, scooters and safety mats were lost in the fire, which also burned a corner of a mobile classroom feet away and forced the Bessemer Road playgroup to delay its re-opening after the Christmas break.

But tomorrow the play-group's 57 pupils will be enjoying a party to mark the birthday.

Elizabeth Morton, 42, who has worked at the playgroup since June 1993 and became the sixth supervisor in 1997, said: "All the children and staff are looking forward to the birthday celebrations. We're hoping it will be a big do and we hope to have members of staff from when we first opened."

Following the attack, the group moved back into a classroom at St Mary's Primary School and also spent two days a week at Ferndale church hall until repairs were complete.

The wooden shed has now been replaced by a metal storage shed.

Elizabeth said: "It was a huge shock, seeing the buildings in such a mess.

"We had experienced some vandalism before, with walls being dented by footballs, but the fire was worst thing we have ever experienced."

The attack prompted local businesses and people to give toys and money. The Evening Advertiser donated items left over from its 2001 Toy Appeal, and Wootton Bassett-based food firm St Ivel donated Lego bricks.

The playgroup for three and four-year-olds first opened on May 10, 1982, in a classroom in St Mary's Primary School and started with 15 children.

St Mary's Playgroup is separate from the school and holds two sessions a day, with around 20 children attending each.

Most of the children come from Abbey Meads, Rodbourne and Gorse Hill and spend their time enjoying a number of activities ranging from storytelling by the staff and playing with a train set.

Assistant supervisor, Janet Smith, 37, who has worked at the group for five years, said: "I really enjoy working with the children. It's such a great pleasure being able to help the children learn."

St Mary's receives support from parents and also acts as host for students on work experience.

Kelly Gammage, 16, has been studying for a NVQ 2 in childcare and has been working with the group for seven months.

She said: "I really enjoy working with children. They are great fun and it's useful experience."