Kim BriscoeA village playgroup and pre-school is appealing for volunteers so its new home can be finished in time to open in September.Kim Briscoe

A village playgroup and pre-school is appealing for volunteers so its new home can be finished in time to open in September.

Snowy's Nursery and Pre-school in Brundall is due to open on September 6 this year to replace the village's Raschools Playgroup.

Raschools was inundated with requests for places following the closure of St Laurence Nursery, but its current home in the village's Memorial Hall was just too small for any expansion.

Broadland district councillor Michael Snowling helped the charity to find a new, larger base in a house he owns in Braydeston Avenue and which he is renting out at a nominal rate.

In return the new nursery has been named in his honour.

Extensive remodelling of the property has been carried out, but now Snowy's is appealing for volunteers who can help with tasks like basic DIY and painting.

The move will double its capacity to 28 children, 12 in the nursery and 16 in the pre-school.

Among other members of the committee, administrator Jen Youngs and secretary Cara Mason have been working hard to prepare the playgroup and pre-school, regularly, working until midnight organising paperwork and decorating the building.

The group has received funding from a range of businesses and organisations.

Mrs Youngs said: 'We have had some donations of equipment, such as lawnmowers, a printer, settees and a computer desk. But we have not had that many offers of physical help. That would be very welcome.

'It won't be technical stuff but things like DIY, slapping on paint and planting up the garden.'

Committee members are also still appealing for more donations, especially of garden plants and some shade sails, as they intend to make the garden a main feature.

Mrs Youngs said: 'We weren't able to provide much outside play at the hall.

'We had to pack up before and after each session and there wasn't much storage space.

'I'm really hoping this is going to be a big success.

'We know the outcomes that we need to deliver and we have been able to develop the building with the objectives in mind.'

The group will be accepting children aged from two to school age, and will be also be offering a lunch club.

To request a package containing an application form, call Snowy's on 07810 775716.

Do you have a story about Brundall? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk