STAFF were left 'absolutely devastated' that their pre-school had been targeted by burglars - after finding that their office had been broken into and cash stolen.

Preston Pre-school said that staff had a 'real shock' when arriving to work on Monday, June 27, and found that their office had been 'ransacked'.

The pre-school is based at Preston Village Hall on Preston Road and staff said that an external door had been forced open. Inside the school, it was said that the locked kitchen cupboards had also been forced open, with packets of biscuits taken from the kitchen, and further evidence of tampering was uncovered with the school’s office and cupboard door being found smashed open and children's toys and office items strewn across the floor.

The school had to close for two days whilst emergency repairs were made, and the site was inspected by Dorset Police and Crime Scene Investigators.

A quantity of cash was was said to be taken as well as ink cartridges, a laptop and an iPad.

There was also said to be damage caused to a printer as well as some damage to a 'much-loved' piece of play equipment in the garden.

Deputy manager of Preston Pre-school, Abi Legg said: "We are absolutely devastated that this has happened, it is such a busy time as we near towards the end of term.

"We've been preparing for running the children's field at the Sutton Poyntz Victorian Street Fayre this coming Sunday 3rd July and getting ready for our older children to go to big school, our office was packed with all of the preparations, some of which has been totally ruined."

The pre-school said children had been really excited to create a card for the queen to celebrate her jubilee recently and sent a huge corgi with all of their fingerprints on to the palace. They had all been looking forward to receiving a letter from her majesty, in response to their efforts. This letter had been received, but was pegged to a line in the office waiting for one of the children to return from holiday before it was opened for everyone to see the reply from the Queen.

The school said it was in 'complete dismay and disbelief' that even the letter sent from Buckingham Palace was taken during the alleged burglary.

Dorset Echo: Even a letter from Buckingham Palace was allegedly taken in the burglary at the Pre-schoolEven a letter from Buckingham Palace was allegedly taken in the burglary at the Pre-school

Ms Legg added: "We can’t believe that our letter from Buckingham palace was taken!

"Please be alert if you live in the local Preston area and if anyone has information about this break-in please contact Dorset Police."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 8.27am on Monday, June 27, of a break-in to an office area at Preston Village Hall.

"The break-in was believed to have occurred between 10pm on Friday, June 24, and 9am on Saturday, June 25, with a quantity of cash and other items reported to have been stolen.

"Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made."