MAPLES Day Nursery was unable to host its annual ‘Sparklers and S’mores’ fundraising event.

But dedicated practitioners from the Winchester preschool were inspired to find new ways to help their families celebrate Bonfire Night, whilst also raising money for worthy causes.

At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Hatherley Road, colleagues showcased their creativity by making themed takeaway boxes filled with sparklers, marshmallows, skewers and biscuits to allow the festivities to be re-created at home.

The boxes were priced at £10 each and the nursery is delighted to have so far raised £500, with orders and donations still incoming. Maples Day Nursery Deputy Manager, Lou Rowe said: “Our families look forward to this particular event every year so we were determined not to disappoint, and have loved seeing the pictures from everyone’s celebrations at home. We have been delighted with the support for the initiative, and have even had people from the wider community purchasing the boxes.

"All proceeds will now be donated to Cancer Research UK, who we will be supporting until the end of 2021 as they are facing predicted losses of 20-25 per cent of fundraising income due to the pandemic.”