FUNDRAISERS for a fire ravaged school say they fear a great opportunity to provide extra nursery places in the village could be missed.

Hardwick Primary School, in Sedgefield, was severely damaged in an arson attack in January.

The school is to be rebuilt and could reopen next March.

The need for extra nursery provision in Sedgefield has long been recognised, and the Friends of Hardwick School say they feel more places could be incorporated into the new building.

There was provision for 20 nursery places in the old school, but the temporary building currently being used will soon have 26 spaces.

The Friends say they believe the number of places will return to 20 when the school is rebuilt.

The group has appealed to Durham County Council not to miss the opportunity to increase the number of nursery places.

A copy of the same letter has been sent to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Education Secretary Estelle Morris.

Treasurer of the Friends, Katie McGuinness, said: "We want to know what is happening. This is an opportunity that should not be missed."

A county council spokesman said officers were conscious of the need for nursery places in the village and were aware of local feeling. But he said any extra nursery provision would have to be funded by the council and it was looking to see if cash could be made available.

Director of education Keith Mitchell said: "There is a good case for providing more nursery places at the school when it is rebuilt, but the basis of our insurance cover is replacement on a like-for-like basis. Consequently, any additional places means additional money has to be found.

"The Government does not provide capital funding for nursery provision, but we are currently looking to see what we can do in this respect.

"This will be one area for discussion when we meet the parents before the end of term as part of the information and consultation process."