Community rallies to support arson-hit school

SOUTH Cheshire College threw a Christmas party for Underwood West Infants School last week.

Just before the suspected arson fire which destroyed the school in Newcastle Street last month, staff at Underwood had been shopping for presents for their own Christmas party, all of which were lost in the blaze.

So to make sure the children did not miss out, the college held the party last Monday, where the 4 - 7-year-olds were entertained by a balloon modeller, a magician and the theatre team which put on a disco, with Santa arriving to hand out presents.

Help and support came from a range of areas, including sponsorship by the Britannia Building Society and Sodexho, the catering company that runs the college caf. Super£Saver in Crewe donated crackers, party bags and wrapping paper.

Underwood's head teacher, Jane Tomlinson, said the school has been overwhelmed with the support it has received.

"We were delighted with the party, the children had a really good time, especially when the college students pushed Santa around on a sleigh they had made.

"We are very appreciative of what has been done for us and we have been inundated with financial support from businesses and offers from the public.

"The parents have been so supportive and we have been sent all sorts of things from local schools. The children are really happy too - they are treating it as a big adventure," she said.

The school is still in need of help to replenish its materials lost in the fire, which caused an estimated £1.5 million worth of damage.

Everyone can play a part in helping get the school back on its feet by making donations.

Materials such as paper, card, pens, crayons, pencils, books, fabric, material, paints, brushes and toys are particularly needed and contributors can donate them to Britannia Building Society branch who will then forward them to the school on your behalf.

The building society is also giving the proceeds of its annual raffle, the Christmas Hamper, to the school, so if you are unable to provide any of the materials listed, you can still help the school by buying a raffle ticket.