KIDS at a pre-school in Westbury have been left distraught after callous thieves stole play equipment which they had helped to pay for.

The £500 plastic double slide play set was taken from Kingfisher Pre-School in Arundel Road, which is next to Bitham Brook Primary School, some time over the Easter weekend, from April 10 to 13.

In a bid to find the culprits and reclaim the slide set, which was well-used by the 40 children who attend the pre-school, posters have been produced appealing for information.

Children took part in a sponsored assault course in summer 2007 to help pay for the all-weather equipment, which was a requirement of Ofsted inspectors.

Tracey Raymond, who has been play leader at the pre-school for 11 of its 12 year history, said: “One of our committee members came in after the Easter weekend and noticed the slide was missing. She called the other committee members to check we if we knew where it was, but soon realised it had been stolen.

“We couldn’t believe it when we found out. We were absolutely disgusted that people would want to take something from four and five-year-old children.

“The children loved the slide and they are very sad it has been taken.

“The equipment was concealed by a bush so whoever took it must have known it was there and they must have had a vehicle to take it away in.”

If you have any information about the incident call Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000.