PLAYTIME is no longer the same for children at Broadwas Pre-School Playgroup, after their prized climbing frame was stolen.

Police say it would have needed two people to remove it.

Playgroup manager Denise Macleod was dismayed to find the plastic climbing frame was missing when she came in on Thursday morning.

The eight-foot Little Tykes frame, which has two slides and had been with the group for six years, was one of the highlights of the play area and could cost up to £500 to replace.

It was taken from a secure fenced-off area in the grounds of Broadwas Primary School, where the playgroup is based.

This is the second time the group has been hit by thieves – two months ago £200 which had been raised through sponsorship to buy bark for the outside area was stolen from the office.

Ms Macleod said: “I feel really quite sad. The children were all amazed when we told them.

“The frame is outside in a fenced area. I’m amazed how they managed to get it over the fence.

“I was speechless, especially after having the money taken as well.

“At the moment we’ve got to try and replace two fires which have packed up.

“I can’t think how we’re going to fund-raise to replace this. We haven’t got the money to just go out and buy one.”

Sarah Buxton, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said that it was thought the theft of the plastic climbing frame took place between 5.30pm Wednesday, May 23 and 8am Thursday, May 24.

Anyone with information can call police on 0300 333 3000 quoting 69S 240512.