Staff at a pre-school have said they are "overwhelmed" after members of the public replaced money for a children's Christmas party stolen during a break-in. 

Police were called on Monday following evidence of forced entry to Kinsley Hall Pre-School, in Austen Close, Loughton, where they found a back door had been broken in between 10pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday.

A total of £522 saved for a party next week was stolen.

Following the break-in, the school was inundated with donations from local businesses, parents and strangers.

A £400 donation from businesses in Harlow was delivered to the school, along with toys from charity shops in The Broadway, Loughton, food from Tesco in Waltham Abbey and money from parents and friends.

Stuart's Marketshop in The Broadway donated paper plates, napkins, a Christmas tree and decorations for the event after allowing staff to take part in a 'supermarket sweep' in the store.

Pre-school manager Jackie Dent-Burnett said: "The staff are just overwhelmed with the complete generosity of the community.

"We just didn't expect it. After the break in we were pretty down because the funds stolen were to pay for the children’s party.

"This one act of nastiness from the theft has brought a whole load of kindness.

"The community have raised more than what was stolen, we can now afford to give the children extra presents and fund new equipment and toys for the school.

"We cannot thank the community enough."