JUST days after pupils were devastated that their school chickens were devoured by a hungry foxes, smiles have been restored by an overwhelming community response.

Staff at Five Acres Primary School in Ambrosden, near Bicester, were shocked when they arrived at work earlier this month to find the chicken coop had been opened overnight.

Oxford Mail:

Just one of the seven birds had survived the attack and staff, pupils and parents were left heartbroken at the loss of an 'integral part of the school'.

However a 'heartwarming' response from the community has turned the frowns around as parents are ploughing their efforts into fundraising for a new coop and chickens.

Mum-of-five Kelly Bird, who set up an online donation page, said: "When the kids came home and told us about the chickens they were so upset – they are still struggling with it now.

"All the children cared and looked after the chickens as if they were their own pets, even the teachers and parents enjoyed them."

The 403-pupil primary school bought the chickens in 2016 hoping they would give children the chance to care for animals, improve their confidence and help emotionally.

For the for the many pupils with families in the Armed Forces, it was hoped the chickens would provide them pets which they often could not keep, moving homes regularly.

Miss Bird said: "Five Acres has been there for me during hard times and seeing my kids so upset, and finding out the school was struggling to replace the chickens I wanted to do something.

"It was about giving something back."

Within hours of setting up a fundraising page with the help of fellow parents Lisa Rafferty and Naomi Hewer, the donations started rolling in and now stand at more than £600.

Julie King and Karen Buckingham, who have family at the school, have also donated 10 chickens from not-for-profit organisation Fresh Start for Hens.

Mrs Rafferty said: "We never expected to get any chickens donated, we didn't know where we were going to keep them when we found out.

"It is amazing, they are in a safe place and will go to the school in September.

"It is just so important as the chickens always provided a calm place for the kids to go and they loved looking after them."

Miss Bird added: "It was a sanctuary for the school and we are so grateful. We never expected this kind of response, it is amazing."

The trio leading the fundraising have also put up collections boxes at the school and Ambrosden Post Office.

Five Acres business manager Elaine Bossom said: "The fox attack on our chickens it had such an impact on children, parents and staff. Everyone was so sad.

"We realised the chickens had become an integral part of our school for the whole community.

"The fundraising efforts started by Miss Bird is amazing and has shown the goodwill and caring side of our community at its best.

"The level of support and offers of help have been heartwarming. There are lots of good people in the world."

Thanks have gone out to everyone that has donated including local businesses Simpsons Heating, Bicester Builders, GD Bitmead car body repairs and Three Corners Garage.

To donate funds click here or material donations contact the school on 01869 253193