ALMOST 300 parents and children helped to celebrate the re-opening of a Minehead nursery severely damaged by fire earlier this year.

Cheeky Cherubs had to move into temporary accommodation at the Alcombe Children's Centre following the incident at the beginning of July.

But last Friday the nursery moved back into its proper premises at the centre following a complete refurbishment and redecoration, and it marked the event with a special open afternoon.

"It's great to be back in our own space and it was terrific to celebrate the re-opening with so many people," said a nursery spokesman.

"We had a real day of celebration because we also had a party for the children who were leaving to start school."

The fire, which started in the kitchen area, left the nursery classroom badly smoke damaged and meant all but the outside toys at the nursery had to be replaced.

Pictured at the re-opening are, from the left, at the back, Michaela Vince, Emma Farmer and Kayleigh Jury; and at the front, Layla Farmer, Olivia Hazell, Harry Vince, Dexter Daley and Marley Smullen.

Photo: Steve Guscott