THERE has been an outpouring of support for a Tullibody nursery after fire completely destroyed the children's play area.

People across Clackmannanshire have rallied to help Glenview Cottage Nursery get back on its feet – fundraising, donating time and offering help.

The vandalism in April caused extensive damage at the property and the blaze wrecked a playhouse in the back garden, along with kids' furniture.

Now back up and running, Heather O'Hagan, who owns the nursery with Cindy Sneddon, paid tribute to those who have demonstrated their generosity.

Although they are still waiting on a few resources arriving, they officially marked the reopening of the garden during the annual bug ball on July 14.

Heather said: "We want to say thanks to the local community for the support at the time of the fire – it really was overwhelming.

"Offers of support, resources and help were coming in from local residents, local businesses and our parents/grandparents who offered everything from toys to offers of clearing the garden of the debris.

"A special mention to Forth Paving for getting our garden back up and running with a new fence and our artificial grass, and to Banchory Nursery for offering to help us out with outdoor play."

The Orchard Care Home is using funding to help with garden equipment, while Morrisons in Alloa raised £343 through an in-store karaoke.

The Boots outlet at the Tron Court has also been collecting money and thanks was given to Castles and Mascots who provided a bouncy castle, mascot hire and got the nursery new car tyres.

Fire officers were also noted for paying a visit to discuss what had happened to the nursery with the children and to outline fire safety.

Heather added: "A mention for our own Glenview staff who remained positive and inventive and who still managed to provide outdoor play and learning, be it in the driveway, at the local parks, walks in the woods and the Tullibody Community Garden.

"People were horrified and sickened by what happened but everyone pulled together to turn a horrible sad situation into a feeling of support and community spirit."

Forth Plant and Sons, up for a Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Award, provided the excavator to remove the damaged astroturf and foam underlay, while Forth Paving prepared the ground for the new materials.

The team also stayed on beyond normal workings hours on multiple occasions to ensure the project was completed.

Grant Sleith, manager director of Forth Companies LTD, said: "After hearing of what happened we were utterly horrified and had to get involved as we feel it’s important to support where we can.

"We stopped all current projects and focused a large amount of our team on this job to ensure that the part we played in the restoration went as quickly as possible."