A headteacher said she feared the worst after returning from the summer holiday to find her classrooms flooded.

Now the Petworth school is asking parents and the local community to chip in so lessons can continue.

"We had put so much time, effort and money into creating a great learning environment and outdoor play area that my heart just sank to see it all destroyed," said Northchapel Primary headteacher Deborah Coggin.

The classrooms used by the pre-school and early years had been destroyed by a powerful deluge on August 1 along with dozens of toys and books, after drains were overcome with more than a foot of flooding.

A £30,000 soft play, funded by grants and PTA funding only three years ago was also damaged by the flood - and is not covered by the school's insurance 

Ms Coggin said she was so taken aback by the smell and standing water left in the classrooms that she feared the school's 55 pupils would not be able to return in time for the new term.

She added: "These classrooms also have far more in terms of soft furnishings, toys and games as well as books - all of which had to be destroyed."

Three rooms in the school have been stripped back to their hard floors and bare walls while contractors work to clear the damage.

Despite all of this, it did not dent the spirit of staff, parents and students who have all helped to keep the youngsters learning.

West Sussex County Council, along with nearby residents, helped preschool students adapt to a new classroom in Northchapel's village hall while works are under way.

The school has raised almost £5,500 for the repairs and replacements through a JustGiving donation page - with 49 people sending money to the cause.

It is expected that the classrooms will be repaired by the October half term.

You can find the fundraiser here.