A children’s nursery devastated by flooding has reopened.

Flash floods wrecked Brookhouse Farm Preschool Centre in Poynton in June.

Water swept through the building and destroyed the entire ground floor, washing away toys and wreaking devastation throughout the gardens, kitchens and offices.

The community rallied, enabling the nursery to operate out of different facilities across the village.

Now after extensive repair and renovation, the business has full reopened at its home on Park Lane in time for Christmas.

Gill Forrest, owner of the centre, which has been running for 25 years, said the damage caused by floods was ‘soul destroying’.

She said: “The floods absolutely ruined the ground floor of the nursery, which is where our baby and toddler rooms, kitchens and offices are located.

“Once the waters receded and we were able to access the building, we were shocked by just how much damage had been caused. It was so sad to see all of the lovely artworks created by the children covered in mud and water.

Brookhouse Farm Nursery in Poynton: L-R Sarah Bemmont, Nursery Deputy; Zoe Borthwick, Room Leader; Sarah Hilton, Room Leader; Gill Forrest, Nursery Owner; Amy Connell, Nursery Manager; Nicola Hickman; Room Leader

“The nursery has been open for more than 25 years and I can’t remember a worse day than that; it was utterly soul destroying.”

The floods in Poynton were caused by the brook running from Poynton Lake bursting its banks, resulting in flood waters up to eight inches deep.

Residents had to be rescued from their homes and emergency refuge centres were set up at Poynton Leisure Centre and Adlington Village Hall for those affected.

A dramatic picture of the water flooding the nursery went viral on Facebook.

Ms Forrest said offers of support and help immediately poured in, adding: “From the first moment the Facebook post went viral and people began to hear what had happened, we were inundated with offers of help – from parents, local businesses, charities, churches, and residents of Poynton and beyond.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and goodwill we’ve encountered from the people of Poynton, during what has been an incredibly challenging period for staff and parents alike.

“I would like to thank everybody for their offers of support and practical help, in particular those who so kindly donated toys and equipment in the first few days when we had literally nothing.”