Pre-school youngsters will return to a new building in the autumn thanks to a helping hand from the National Lottery.

At present the pre-school at North Leigh, near Witney, is based in a 27-year-old temporary building.

So in February last year it launched a 63,000 appeal with a mock wedding in the parish church that involved all the youngsters. The parents and staff raised more than 10,000 from the wedding, quiz nights and discos, and a further 12,500 was pledged by West Oxfordshire District Council.

Now they have learned that their appeal has received 39,923 from the National Lottery. Publicity officer Joanne Cox said: "We've raised all the money we need. It's marvellous news.

"During the summer holidays we will replace it with a modern pre-fabricated building. At the moment we can take 20 children each session, but with the new building we will be able to take 30."

Witney MP Shaun Woodward has added his congratulations for the successful lottery bid.

He said: "I am delighted that the North Leigh Pre-School has received this much-needed cash.

"The new building will mean a better future for the children who attend the group."