Heacham rallies for Scallywags
A TODDLERS' group which was targeted by vandals is bouncing back after the local community and businesses rallied to help.
Play equipment worth hundreds of pounds was destroyed and a trail of destruction was left behind after vandals struck the home of Scallywags in Heacham.
Swings, a play slide, picnic benches and a new play house were all damaged during the sickening attack at the village scout hut during the half-term last month.
Its insurance company also refused to cover the cost of the damage as the equipment had been stored outside, rather than locked indoors.
Now the group's faith in the community has been restored after generous donations of more than 800, and toys to help it get back on its feet.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support we've had, we couldn't believe how many people have stepped in to help," said volunteer Mrs Tracey Mellor.
"It's been a big boost for us. It's quite hard work for four people to run the group voluntarily and when something like this happens you think 'what's the point?'. But everyone's generosity has made us realise how valued the group is in the community."
Money was donated from groups including the village's Old Friends' Club, resident Chris Sopp, who organised a fundraising pool night at the Fox and Hounds pub, Heacham Minors Football Club and Heacham Club Charity.
It will provide new outdoor play equipment when the weather improves in the new year, as well as replacing worn-out indoor sit-and-ride toys. The group is also looking into increasing security.
Numerous indoor toys were also donated by Lynn's educational toy firm Learning Resources, which read about the attack in the Lynn News.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
