A POPULAR nursery targeted by vandals has been saved from closure thanks to a security system.

Piglets Playgroup has suffered months of vandalism and criminal damage at its premises in Billingham.

A burglary last year deprived toddlers of gifts and equipment and owners Sam Thompson and Lisa Sayers were forced to make a decision over the future of the group.

Because of broken glass and graffiti at the centre, children aged between two and four have never been allowed to play outside safely.

But after help from the local SureStart group and Stockton Borough Council, toddlers can now enjoy the open space.

After a break-in before Christmas, the owners could not afford to repair the damage which had eaten into the playgroup's funds.

But concerned parents took a tough stance against the groups of teenagers and reported several incidents to police.

The community pulled together and after help from the council and SureStart, Piglets is now back on track.

Ms Thompson said: "We just couldn't afford to get the damage repaired. There were windows smashed regularly, graffiti over walls and doors and we couldn't get the door fixed, which was damaged in the burglary.

"All the presents were stolen and we found paperwork strewn across the fields.

"It has been such hard work, and it almost finished us."

But she told how the community was so positive and supportive that the playgroup has remained very popular.

Fencing costing about £5,000 has been installed, along with three CCTV cameras, and the children can now play safely outside.

The playgroup started in 2000 in East Avenue and, with the hard work and enthusiasm of the joint owners, the group soon expanded and needed a larger building.

It moved to its new home in Cheviot Crescent, Billingham, in 2001. However, the new start turned into a nightmare as vandals began to regularly target the group, culminating in a break-in at Christmas.

The owners agreed they can now work with peace of mind in a safe and secure environment for children and could never have done it without SureStart.

Stockton Council and SureStart also donated equipment and storage to the group after the break-in.