A popular playgroup in Soham is hoping to raise funds to refurbish their new base.

Soham Playgroup, known locally as Windmills, aim to move into a portacabin at St Andrew’s School this September.

The group, which is run by a committee of parents, has set up a fundraising page in a bid to gather support to turn their new home into an ‘exciting and stimulating learning space’.

The group currently operate from the school but members say that moving into the new base will enable them to expand.

Mother-of-three, Michelle Irvine, from Soham, said: “We were delighted to be offered the portacabin but it needs a lot of work doing and we need to fence off a secure area for the children too.

“While we have this blank canvas we want to make it as special and perfect as we can. We hope to extend and be able to offer a greater service to other villages.

“We are trying to raise funds but we are looking for help in lots of ways so have set up a fundraising page.

“It is all about getting the message out there so that people know what we are doing.”

Soham Playgroup has been running for 35 years and currently has eight staff and around 40 children based at St Andrew’s.

Aimee Botting, chair of the committee, said: “The more money we can get the more ambitious we can be with our plans.

“We are doing a lot of fundraising projects this year but we are keen to get as much support as possible by people helping us and volunteering.

“We need to redecorate and get the resources ready inside. It would be lovely to have some new toys as well and get sensory equipment.

“Windmills have been running for many years and have become a huge part of the community and we have changed to meet the demand of the town too.

“Over the 35 years there have been so many people who have attended, so we’re hoping that if they see what we’re doing they may want to get involved again.”

Anyone who feels they can help out can contact the group at sohamplaygroupcommittee@outlook.com or via their Facebook page.

To make a donation visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/soham-playgroups-windmills-under-fives