A long trek to the loo will soon be a thing of the past for children at a pre-school.

Elmwood Pre-school in Guys Farm Road, South Woodham, has been without toilet facilities since an outdoor toilet block, owned by Elmwood Primary, was condemned and removed at the end of last year.

It meant children were having to be taken across the playground and into the main school building - causing disruption to both the pre-school and main school.

The pre-school organisers decided to remedy the situation and began raising funds to have their own toilet block installed. They approached the town council, applied for National Lottery cash and began a programme of fundraising events.

However, before the Lottery application was processed Elmwood Primary School stepped in to provide the money.

Joan Alderson, headteacher of Elmwood Primary, said: "They are such a good pre-school we didn't want them to flounder for the sake of a lack of toilets. We decided to provide the money."

The school is hoping to secure a grant to cover half the £10,000 cost, but has committed itself to providing the full amount if the grant does not arrive. Fundraising events by the pre-school also raised £1,000, which will be put toward the total.

Bev Gibbons, superviser at the pre-school, said: "We are all over the moon. It is excellent news."

Planning permission has been granted by Chelmsford Council and, if everything goes to plan, work will start soon after the school breaks for summer, with the new toilets ready for next year's children.

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