CHILDREN at The Ark Nursery children are now able to enjoy a new climbing frame thanks to the generosity of former parents of the pre-school and customers of The Links Tavern.

To cover the total cost of almost £700, Jason Kemp, landlord of the pub on Portsmouth Road launched a collection during the summer, which was boosted by a £100 donation from DEC Building Services in Liss.

The rest of the money was donated by parents, whose children have enjoyed the first successful year of the nursery, which was opened last October, as well as numerous fundraising events by staff.

Children have enjoyed their first nativity in the presence of the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, the Bishop of Portsmouth.

They were awarded £200 from Community Kick Start through the Breeze Radio towards a new willow walkway in the playground, and took part in this year’s Carnival Fun Day.

Joint heads Alison Jackson and Ruth Grove took over the running of the pre-school at the Church Centre, off Portsmouth Road in March – and now have a total of 33 children attending regularly.

The Ark opens Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.45pm. For details call 07775 394230 or email [email protected]