SPONSORS can put their stamp on a new nursery fence as part of a creative fundraising drive.

Lake Street Nursery in South Oxford is inviting supporters to 'sponsor a plank' after it replaced a rotting fence in its garden.

The charity hopes to cover the cost of the essential repairs as part of a major fundraiser to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

People can pay £1 to paint their hands and leave a print on a wooden plank on the fence, during the nursery's annual spring fete on Saturday next week.

The fete runs from 2-5pm at the nursery in Lake Street, featuring a bouncy castle, barbecue and bar, cake stall, music, games and £650 worth of raffle prizes.

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Nursery manager Catherine Morey said: "Our annual fete is a chance to bring the nursery, old and new members and the local community together for the day.

"As we’re a charity, it’s also a great fundraising event to help us provide vital resources for the children.

"It’s our 50th anniversary this year so our ‘sponsor a plank’ initiative is a great way to get everyone together, while offsetting the cost of our new fence and giving it a pop of colour."

Tickets are available from the nursery office for the fete, which is sponsored by North Oxford Property Services.

Money raised will help to pay for supplies for children such as paints, play sand, cooking ingredients, paper and pens, as well as larger equipment and resources.

Mrs Morey added: "Fundraising is an important part of our annual budget to ensure that we break even each year.

"Income from fees and government funding for free places cover our basic staffing and overheads - but everything else has to be raised by donation, grants or fundraising.

"This helps us pay for good-quality materials, activities and experiences for children to enjoy, from music to painting, role play and planting vegetables."

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The nursery, which has been looking after young children across South Oxford since 1969, begin as a playgroup at South Oxford Community Centre.

It was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014, the top standard, in a report that praised its ‘inspirational’ leadership and 'stimulating environment.'

Supporters who attend the fete will get the chance to win raffle prizes including £30 off a meal at Arbequina restaurant in Cowley Road, £150 off decorating with local painting and decorating firm BeauDec, signed books by award-winning children’s writer and illustrator Rob Biddulph, screen prints by Oxford artist Kleiner Shames, luxury beauty basket from Vanilla boutique and a haircut from Pankhurst and Deane, both in Summertown.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a plank can join the fete next week - for more information, visit lakestreetnursery.org.uk.