A border community is sticking together for the future of its children.

Parents in the village of Newtownbutler have rejected sectarianism and division in an effort to give their young children the best possible start in life at the village play group.

But the New Year brings news that the play group will soon be homeless and now the parents urgently need new accommodation because their present building is being sold.

At the moment there is no other suitable building in the village and it will be necessary to build a new play school, costing about £15,000.

"To achieve this end we have initiated a vigorous fundraising campaign with an encouraging response. So far we have raised £1,700, but it is at an early stage. Really we're only putting our big toe into the water to test the temperature, but clubs and organisations in the area are helping with donations," explained play group secretary, Mr. Woods.