The manager of an Exmouth pre-school swindled out of thousands of pounds has expressed her gratitude to those who have raised funds for them.

All Saints Pre-School was rocked by the news that their former treasurer had stolen more than £9,000 from them.

The Journal reported last week that she was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court last week and given a suspended jail sentence.

Since the news of the conviction broke, Exmouth traders and residents have been donating cash to make sure the youngsters at All Saints don’t go without and to help make up some of the shortfall it has experienced.

Helena Meineck, manager of All Saints Pre-School, told the Journal that some staff have had to take pay cuts to counter-act the loss of funds.

She said: “We never expected so much kindness from the community and the help we have received, and are still receiving, has been overwhelming and we are touched and extremely grateful to everyone who cares about our Pre-school.

“It has been a difficult couple of years for our staff who have taken cuts to their pay by working some hours voluntarily to help counterbalance the effect of losing all that money, but this just goes to show how dedicated they all are and how much they care about giving the children who come to our pre-school the best care and learning experiences that they truly deserve.”

Stevie Hill, of Exmouth-based Just Purr-fect, set up a Gofundme page for people to donate to All Saints.

So far, more than £300 has been raised and Stevie has set a target of around £2,000.

She said it was ‘heart-breaking’ to hear what happened to the pre-school. She also told the Journal that Select Dental, in Exmouth, was one of the first to donate, pledging £200.

Helena has thanked Stevie as well as Lympstone Pre-school, which has donated a climber for the children. She also gave her thanks to councillors who have agreed to give grants to All Saints.

Stevie said they will be holding a fundraising stall at this year’s carnival fun day being held in The Strand on Saturday, October 13.

Anyone who wants to donate can go to https://www.gofundme.com/ma954c