THE Christmas spirit is obviously completely lost on the mindless idiot who decided to destroy a playgroup's storage shed.

Bikes, climbing frames, balls, scooters and safety mats were all destroyed in the blaze, which also burned the corner of a mobile classroom.

It now means that the Bessemer Road-based St Mary's Playgroup will not be able to open as planned after the Christmas break.

What could have motivated anyone to carry out such an attack is beyond belief.

The only result of this act of supreme ignorance is to leave 54 children aged between three and four with nowhere to go in the New Year, causing misery and inconvenience for all concerned.

The fact that the playgroup is a charity relying on goodwill to continue also cannot be ignored.

So let us hope that the scheme recovers from the devastation and enjoys a more prosperous 2002.

Equally, let us hope that the culprit who carried out the act is either brought to book or at least feels incredibly ashamed for what has happened.