A PLAYGROUP has moved back to its Malton premises after it was forced out due to flooding.

The Fire Station Playgroup in Castlegate relocated to Norton Community Primary School after its buildings were filled with floodwater in November.

Playgroup leader Jo Ogram said work had taken place over Christmas including flood prevention work.

Jo said: “The whole place was in a mess so we have had to put in new flooring and plastic walls in the kitchen as well.”

Jo said Liz Parker, headteacher at Norton Primary, had offered areas at the school for the 48 youngsters who attend the playgroup until the end of term.

“We were there nearly three weeks and the school was just amazing. We can’t thank them enough and all the children coped really well,” she said.

“But it is lovely to be back here and hope that is the end of it.”

Jo said although the playgroup was insured, they had to pay a quarter of all costs.

“We are a non-profit making charity so this is a big blow for us,” she said.

“We have been offered a couple of donations and are looking at fundraising as well. We will just have to pick ourselves up and carry on.”