CHILDREN at a Westhoughton playgroup are desperate for a new home after their hall was destroyed by fire.

The 40 members of Tithe Barn Tots now have nowhere to meet after the devastating blaze at St Bartholomew's parish hall as repearted in later editions of the BEN yesterday.

Detectives believe a gang of up to 20 youths were responsible for the blaze which caused extensive damage to the building.

Another group which used the hall, a children's pre and after-school club, already has a new home at a building belonging to the council's youth services department in nearby Central Drive.

The club, which looks after 20 children before school and 30 youngsters in the afternoon, was due to move into the building in two weeks time before yesterday's fire.

However, the playgroup cannot move into the council owned hall as it is not suitable for very young children and they are left with the prospect of having to cancel classes until they find new premises.

The owner of a private gym in School Street has offered them a room, but it could be some time before building work and planning permission is granted.

Anyone who can lend a room to the playgroup is urged to contact Sheila Hart on 01942 811302.

CHILDREN at a Westhoughton playgroup are desperate for a new home after their hall was destroyed by fire.

The 40 members of Tithe Barn Tots now have nowhere to meet after the devastating blaze at St Bartholomew's parish hall early as reported in later editions of the BEN yesterday.

Detectives believe a gang of up to 20 youths were responsible for the blaze which caused extensive damage to the building.

Another group which used the hall, a children's pre and after-school club, already has a new home at a building belonging to the council's youth services department in nearby Central Drive. The club, which looks after 20 children before school and 30 youngsters in the afternoon, was due to move into the building in two weeks time before yesterday's fire.

However, the playgroup cannot move into the council owned hall as it is not suitable for very young children and they are left with the prospect of having to cancel classes until they find new premises.

The owner of a private gym in School Street has offered them a room, but it could be some time before building work and planning permission is granted.