COMMUNITY fundraisers have stepped in to help a playgroup targeted by vandals.

Weymouth Carnival organisers the Round Table were disheartened to read of the plight of parents from Popples group at Chickerell who had been fundraising for months to buy a shed for toddlers' toys, only to see it vandalised within a few weeks.

As reported in the Dorset Echo, the families of the young vandals have promised to pay up for their children's actions after angry residents tracked them down.

Neil Price, who is this year's Weymouth Round Table chairman, said if families did not move quickly enough and buy a new shed, the organisation would be happy to help.

Mr Price said: "We certainly don't want to take away the obligation from the parents who have promised to pay.

"But we would like to help in some way, even if it means making a contribution towards toys or equipment.

"A lot of us have young families and we realise children's toys are expensive and decent storage space is essential."

Mr Price said while Weymouth Round Table organised the annual carnival, which raises thousands of pounds for charity, members were also active in the community all year round, supporting local clubs and organisations.

He said: "Many people only know of our carnival work but we also do other stuff throughout the year.

Laura Hampson, committee member at Popples, said: "We are indebted to the round tablers for their offer of help."

Mrs Hampson said a parent of one of the culprits had made moves to order a new shed following publicity in the Echo.

She said: "We're keeping our fingers crossed. The parent said he would order it and get the other families to chip in."