STAFF at a York playgroup huddled round a camp fire for the night to raise money for new toys.

The workers at Phoenix Playgroup, based at Park Grove School, slept in tents and held an evening barbecue for the children.

They raised £250 which will pay for new dressing-up clothes and children's cooking utensils. Manager Jane Leach said: "It was a really good night. The kids were really excited to be staying up so late."

Updated: 08:30 Wednesday, July 16, 2003