Community spirit shone through after word spread that items for a school fete had been stolen less than 24 hours before it was due to be held.

Members of Tunstall Primary’s Parents’ and Teachers’ Association (PTA) were at the site getting ready for the fair the next day when they discovered prizes donated by parents had been taken.

Among the items missing were toiletries, alcohol and soft drinks.

Determined not to let the children down the volunteers rallied round and hit the shops to replace some of the goods.

Various members also launched Facebook appeals by messaging the parents of pupils through private class groups.

The news soon went viral and by Saturday morning they found themselves inundated with donations from businesses including Asda, Bailey’s Coffee Shop, Benson Beds, Goldfinch Tree Surgery, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

A Jewson’s lorry driver also pulled up with a load of shopping and the parish council donated £100 worth of goods after an emergency vote was taken by members via email and phone.

PTA vice-chairman Sue Horne said: “It was a huge blow to a wonderful team of volunteers who have been working on this project since January, but the community spirit shown has been overwhelming and we are grateful to everyone for reaching out and saving the day.

“Thank you to all the local businesses who advertised and donated prizes to us. Apologies if we have missed anyone.”

Visitors were treated to a display by Swifts Gymnastics Tumbling Squad, maypole dancing by Year 6 pupils and a gymnastic routine by Year 3 youngsters.

There was also an ambulance for the children to explore, stalls and traditional games and competitions such as guess the weight of the cake, pony rides, inflatables and a photo selfie pod.

The day was even more poignant as it was the last summer fete to be held at the Tunstall Road site, which the school has occupied for 170 years.

Next Easter pupils and staff will relocate to the new school which is being built on land along the east-west section of Tunstall Road, including the section opposite Cranbrook Drive.

The fete raised £7,000, half of which will go towards the PTA’s £10,000 target for phase one of its campaign to buy playground equipment for the new facility.

Mrs Horne added: “We are very proud that the fete was a fantastic success and are now well on our way to achieving our goal.”