Youngsters at an East Dorset pre-school are all at sea thanks to the generosity of two companies.

Longham Community Pre-School is now the proud owner of a restored boat in its play area.

The boat, formerly a washed-up wreck, was donated by Ross Irving of Ferndown-based Cranebrook Developments Limited.

In what became a labour of love, the father-of-three completely rebuilt and repainted the craft.

The boat has now taken pride of place in the pre-school’s play area with landscape materials, including woodchip, donated by Parley-based Eco Sustainable Solutions.

Ross, whose two children Cassia, two, and Jonathan, four, attend the pre-school, said: “It was a lot of work but I’m really pleased at how it’s turned out. The kids seem to love it.”

Peter Hardy, Eco’s Commercial Director, added: “This has been a great community project and we’re very pleased to have been a part of it.”

Leanne Blackley, the pre-school’s Joint Manager, said: “The boat is a wonderful addition to our play area.

“We’re very grateful to Ross and Eco Sustainable Solutions for their generosity.