AFTER two years of fundraising all those involved in the £38,000 refurbishment of Uplands Playgroup were able to celebrate their accomplishment last night, Tuesday.

The playgroup, which has been running in the community for 45 years, meets in an old Elliot building in the grounds of Uplands Primary School in Thompson Road, Stroud, and was badly in need of a makeover.

In 2012 the committee launched a fundraising campaign in order to pay for the refurbishments and after reaching their fundraising target in May the work has now been completed.

Last night staff from the playgroup welcomed committee members, parents, builders and members of the local community who have supported the fundraising campaign to the official grand opening of the newly refurbished playgroup.

Play leader Debbi Scobell explained that the cost of knocking down the existing building and starting again from scratch was going to be too much.

“So instead we decided to work with what we had and make it a better learning space for the staff and children who come here every day,” she said.

The work has included replacing the floor, roof, walls and replacing all the windows as well as making the entire building insulated.

There is also a brand new entrance to the playgroup and the new floor is made of recycled materials.

“The party was just a way of saying thank you to everyone who continued to support us over the last two years,” said Debbi.

“We will still be continuing with our fundraising as there is still work to be done to the outside area which we hope one day will include a canopy.”