Hundreds of people have banded together to help raise money for a special needs school in the wake of funding cuts.

Colnbrook School, in Hayling Road, South Oxhey turned to the public for help to buy the children a new playground as money grows tighter and tighter.

Clare Diskin, whose autistic son attends the school, said all schools in the country are under large amounts of pressure, but special needs schools need extra help.

She said: “Things like special play equipment and computers are expensive and children like my son and his friends can’t learn in a normal classroom, they need these things.”

“Support from communities has been so amazing.

“So many people and organisations far and wide have come to help us and it’s been so touching.”

In order to raise the money, the school is hosting a Christmas Fayre on December 2 and is in need of raffle prizes and has received an overwhelming response from the community.

The Christmas fayre will include nine independent craft stalls, an immersive sensory grotto, food and a raffle.

Northwood Club gave £500 in sponsorship, as well as selling raffle tickets to members of their own club, and are donating a free monthly raffle prize.

Sandbanks Hotel in Poole has offered an overnight respite stay and Watford Hilton, which has been a long time supporter of the school, has offered a family nights stay for the raffle.

Aylett Nurseries garden centre in St Albans is also donating the prize of a 6ft Christmas tree.

Mrs Diskin thanked everyone who gave.

She added: “The fact that some of these organisations are not near the school and are going out of their way to support and develop it, is really special.

“We would love as many people to come down and show their support.

“For a small school, it’s an inspiring achievement to have got this far.

“We have got a long way to go but this marks the beginning.”