A PLAYGROUP in Uley has been saved from the brink of closure thanks to generous support from its community.

Uley Under-5s Playgroup hit trouble earlier in the year when a lack of funding sparked closure fears.

Now, with help from businesses and the general public, staff hope they can go on to celebrate their 50th anniversary next year.

Over the past few months the playgroup has faced a number of threats to its survival due to low numbers and an unsettling economic climate.

In addition to more families registering for places, parents and others from the community have come together to form a committee who are determined to see the playgroup continue for another 50 years.

New chairwoman Amanda Voss said: “The playgroup plays such an important part within the community and feeding the local school.

“It provides a wonderful, vibrant playgroup where children can fulfil their full potential and become confident learners in readiness for school”.

Manager Nicola Wood was delighted with the support received from the community.

She said: "I think it has been incredibly heartening to see how much support the playgroup has within the village.

"We've had people give us donations whose children attended the playgroup years ago, including one mother who contacted us and said her son was one of the first to attend.

"But it isn't just parents. We've had so much support from businesses and local people who don't want to see the playgroup go.

"I think the experience has brought the community closer together, which is a really positive outcome."

In March 2014 Ofsted awarded the school a grade of “good”, giving credit to its “stimulating and welcoming environment.”

It operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm, plus 1pm to 3pm on Thursday afternoons for pre-school children.

They take children from 27 months to four years and are now offering places to families who are eligible for the Achieving 2s scheme.

Each session costs £3.70p but nursery vouchers are accepted. New families are welcome to arrange a visit or free taster sessions by telephoning manager Nicola Wood on 07896587983 or emailing her at info@uleyplaygroup.co.uk