A NURSERY damaged during a suspected arson attack which gutted Santa's grotto has bounced back with a festive fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease.
The Christmas Fayre at Fairfield Day Nursery in Warndon, Worcester, raised more than £2,176 for Motor Neurone Disease on Saturday, inspired by the courage of a staff member's brother who is battling the condition.
Around 100 people attended the fayre, the first one organised by the nursery, and donations came pouring in to support the nursery in the wake of the alleged attack, including from businesses and the wider community.
Nursery director Estelle Hackett said: "We had an amazing morning and huge turnout from the community and successfully raised £2176.53 for an absolutely worthy cause Motor Neurone Disease Association."
The fire may have gutted the summer house which doubled as the grotto - but the staff were determined the children should not miss out this Christmas and simply moved Santa indoors as a community rallied behind the nursery.
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Two signed rugby shirts (Bath and Gloucester) helped make the auction a success and the raffle also proved to be a winner.
West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also attended to make it a Christmas Fayre to remember.
The arson attack left children unable to play outside for nearly a month until the area was thoroughly cleaned up, including broken glass left when a window to the children's bathroom was destroyed in the inferno.
Neighbours in Gamekeepers Drive and Ploughmans Close were evacuated from their homes on Saturday, October 28 as firefighters tackled the fire.
The attack is estimated to have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
A GoFundMe page has been set up which has already raised £575 for new resources, toys and outbuildings for the children.
The fayre set to raise money to tackle motor neurone disease after father-of-three Scott Morris, 43, brother of Michelle Morris, one of the nursery's managers, was diagnosed in June this year.
Two boys, aged 13 and 14, were have been arrested on suspicion of causing arson without endangering life.
The 13-year-old had also been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
Another 13-year-old boy was arrested two weeks ago on suspicion of causing arson without endangering life, it has been revealed.
None of those arrested can be named for legal reasons.
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