PRE-SCHOOL children enjoyed all the festive fare of a Christmas party at the end of a term blighted by an e-coli outbreak in their community.
Mother and toddler group organisers opened the doors to the community centre in Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, to all under-fives in the village yesterday.
About 80 children enjoyed the entertainment, which included a magician and a visit from Father Christmas, who brought presents for all.
The party was staged after fundraising by the group committee, which is also replacing toys and books destroyed as a safety precaution after the e-coli illness affected many village children, in October.
Group chairperson Joan Smith said: "All the toys which couldn't be boil washed, probably £300 or £400-worth, had to be destroyed, as well as books loaned to us at the time through the Book Start scheme.
"It was soul destroying after all the efforts we put in to build up the toy store.
"But we're starting to replace the toys and books by holding raffles and events like a sponsored toddle on the playing field at one of the infants schools to raise funds."
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