It was a fire that destroyed thousands of pounds worth of toys and devastated the children of a north Norfolk pre-school.

Fakenham & Wells Times: A container containing toys and play equipment at Little Angels Pre-School was destroyed by a fire last year. Picture: Ian BurtA container containing toys and play equipment at Little Angels Pre-School was destroyed by a fire last year. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

But now, Little Angels Pre-School in Fakenham is having a brand new outdoor learning environment built in its garden, just over a year after an arson attack destroyed a storage container containing toys and outdoor play equipment which had been locked up over Christmas.

The blaze at the school on Trap Lane in January last year was so intense that the heat melted three climbing frames which were near to the container and left the children with no outdoor play equipment at all.

Alice Sergison, centre assistant, said: “The children came back after Christmas and were really sad that there was a fire and that the toys were all gone.

“On the morning they came back the container was still hot from the fire.

“We had to explain to them what had happened.

“This new area is something really positive to come out of a bad thing.”

The outdoor learning environment will include a brand new outdoor classroom, a sensory garden, a maths area and several other features for the children to enjoy.

It is near completion but requires some finishing touches to be added before it can be officially opened for use.

The blaze was one of three arson attacks to take place in Fakenham that week, with fires also being started at the council offices at Fakenham Connect and at Fakenham Rugby Club.

Ms Sergison added: “The children have been able to join in and help with the process as well.

“They have helped with creating some of the areas, it’s been something they can really get involved in.

“It is very near completion and we’re very excited to open it.”

The outdoor learning environment will be officially opened on the school’s Easter fun day, which takes place on Thursday, April 18.

Do you have a story about a school in the Dereham, Reepham, Fakenham or Wells area?

Get in touch with our reporter Daniel Bennett by emailing daniel.bennett@archant.co.uk.