CHILDREN helped to start work on a £500,000 pre-school they feared might never be built.

Tiddlywinks pre-school, Great Horkesley, was told funding promised for its premises would be lost due to Government cuts.

But campaigners managed to gain a U-turn on the decision and see their agreement honoured with cash from the SureStart capital buildings grant.

Manager Helen Taylor said: “It was hard to get the funding in the first place. Then we were told we wouldn’t have it. It was awful.”

The future of the village hall that Tiddlywinks has used since it started three years ago is also in doubt, because the parish council wants to build a new one.

As a result, the pre-school feared it would be homeless.

Mrs Taylor said: “One minute we were to have this wonderful building of our own. The next, we faced the prospect of having nowhere. But now building has started. We’re delighted.”

The pre-school will be in the grounds of Bishop William Ward Primary School in Coach Road.

Helping dig the first sod were primary school pupils Lewis Walker and Kerry McCormick, both five, and former Tiddlywinks’ members, and pre-schoolers Mae Currie, two, and Rebecca Gage, four.

Building must be finished by the end of March for the funding to be valid.

Mrs Taylor added: “I can’t describe the difference this will make. Staff can spend more time with the children, rather than having to set up in the hall each time.

“We’ll be able to display children’s work on the walls and won’t have to keep packing toys and equipment in a shed. We have to fundraise for tables and chairs, but at least we won’t be homeless.”