A PRE-School that came out fighting after it was struck by arsonists and later threatened with closure, has another challenge on its hands.

Staff at Rainbow Pre-School need to raise £1,200 so they can go to a London awards ceremony in September where they are one of eight finalists in the under-three provision category of the Nursery World Awards.

Manager Wendy Jones said it was a “David and Goliath” situation with a tiny charity run nursery up against large chains.

In 2000 arsonists struck at Rainbow Playgroup causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the building and toys.

It was given a new home — a portable building — but that was condemned in 2009 and the nursery was told it needed to raise £300,000 to replace it.

Both times the community came to the rescue to donate toys and temporary accommodation and patched up the building for free.

In autumn 2009 Oxfordshire County Council secured its long-term future with a grant to pay for a new building.

Now within the grounds of Glory Farm School, Hendon Place, the facility has doubled in size to take 52 children and expanded to offer holiday programme for youngsters.

Mrs Jones said: “I have been at Rainbow for 15 years and it has been burnt down, we were at the Salvation Army hall and we got another building, that was later condemned.

“All the time the girls were not sure whether they would have a job in six months’ time, but the staff have stayed with us.”

She nominated the nursery for the award because of all the “hard work” by staff.

Mrs Jones said: “When we got told we were in the final against seven others, it’s pretty huge.

“It has been a busy year work wise for all the staff. The amount they have put in is way beyond what they will ever be paid. It was such a pat on the back for how well we have done.”

So far they have raised £600 with the help of parents’ donations, selling cakes and ice creams, but need £1,800 just to pay for a table at the awards ceremony. Staff will fund their own travel and accommodation to the Covent Garden venue.

Mrs Jones said: “It would be awful not to go. It’s a once in a lifetime for us to get this far. We are a bit like David and Goliath, up against the big places and companies who do child care rather than a little charity.”

Mum Charlie Withersby, of Southwold, whose daughter India, three, goes to the pre-school, has raised £180 by selling items on Facebook.

She said: “The past few years have been really hard for Rainbow, so this will be amazing for them.”

The nursery plans to become incorporated and is appealing for business people to become trustees and help guide its future.

Anyone who can help should call 01869 323613.