A Swindon pre-school has re-opened six weeks after vandals ran riot and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Toys were smashed and a mobile phone and £65 of petty cash stolen in the October 18 attack on Clifton Street pre-school.

But the worst damage was caused when two sinks were blocked up and left running, flooding the main hall and leaving it covered in three inches of water.

The damage was such that the whole wooden floor had to be replaced.

Local councillor John Taylor (Central, Labour) performed the official re-opening of the revamped pre-school.

Play leader Anita Ellis said: "The damage was really bad and we had to let the floor dry out for five weeks before we could take it up and replace it.

"The cost of replacing the toys alone is about £600 and the new floor runs into thousands.

"It is great to be back here again. For the last five weeks we have been sharing the premises of Westbourne pre-school, where we have been holding sessions in the afternoons. I would like to thank them for allowing us to do that."

Most of the cost of the damage has been met by Swindon Borough Council, which has claimed on its insurance.

And the group has received donations from local companies including Honda, Blick, the Evening Advertiser, Parcel Express, First Great Western, British Gas, EMI and the Clifton Street Pub.

The pre-school, which has been going for five years, is a registered charity based in Clifton Street. It has four staff and 40 children.