Children at Dogsthorpe Community Pre-School feared they may be without gleaming toys for the new term in September, due to a funding cut.

However, the Peterborough Sports and Leisure Club, in Lincoln Road, has stepped in to donate £800, allowing the youngsters to remain entertained.

The group caters for children from the age of two until they reach mainstream education, providing a wide range of activities which aim to encourage stimulation and interaction.

Peterborough Sports and Leisure Club fund-raising coordinator Sue Gilgan said: "One of the girls at the club who helps with the fund-raising was approached by the pre-school, and we were happy to help.

"We do lots and lots of charity events throughout the year, and this is just one of the good causes it enables us to help.

"The group need support because their funding had been taken away by the Government. This meant they needed everything to keep the kids entertained.

"It was great to see so many children there with smiles on their faces, knowing they were going to be able to get some new toys.

"The parents were also very grateful for the donation. We were delighted to be able to help them."

Pre-school manager Karen Bromley said: "It's going to make such an impact on the children. We serve an area of deprivation and do our best with finances, but donations like this make a huge difference.

"We're hoping to allocate the money to outdoor equipment, to help with the children's physical development.

"A thank-you doesn't really represent how appreciative we are, and the difference it will make."