The massive task of clearing up after the devastating fire at Bibic is now under way. Staff at Puriton, near Bridgwater, put on rubber gloves and hard hats to begin the arduous task of clearing the rubble.

The sensory pool area was gutted by fire on November 6 and staff have been working to ensure this does not affect the rest of the centre.

Their efforts come as the Western Daily Press Help Bibic Bounce Back appeal tops the £8,000 mark.

The sensory pool, which was built in 1989, plays a pivotal role in the assessment of each child and is at the heart of the work undertaken by the charity's therapists working with the 400 youngsters who visit the site every year.

A spokesman for Bibic said: "It's going to be a very big task to tidy up because all the debris from the roof is in the pool. Diggers would be unable to get up the walkway to the pool so it will have to be done by hand. It may take a couple of weeks. The walls of the buildings are quite structurally unsafe.

"We have to make it safe because families are still using a nearby play area. We are looking at a temporary solution, that's why we need the support of everyone."

One couple who donated a generous amount to the appeal are John Board and his wife, from Burnham-on-Sea. Mr and Mrs Board say they were saddened to hear about the fire, which caused £250,000 of damage, and wanted to do their bit to help.

Mrs Board said: "We've always felt they are a good local charity to support. We have a niece with Down's syndrome who lives away from the area, but who would really benefit from a place like this.

"We hope that they will be able to rebuild soon."

The Bibic spokesman added: "We could not have wished for more support, it's absolutely fantastic, but sadly it's off the back of something so devastating."

The clean-up also coincides with the launch of the charity's Christmas Carol event.

The Bibic Christmas fundraiser takes place at the 19th-century Knowle Hall on December 12.

The event will include music from the HMS Heron band. It will be opened by local MP Ian Liddell-Granger and will be attended by Bridgwater Mayor and Mayoress Graham and Kay Carter and Glastonbury town crier Graham Coles.

Visitors will be able to browse and buy festive goods at the Glastonbury country market and there will be a visit from Santa.

There is also a Christmas appeal, Be One In A Million, to which people can donate to calling 0911 813 1578. The call costs £1.50, £1 of which will go to Bibic.

Cheques, made payable to BIBIC, can also be sent to Mimi Bior, Bibic Appeal, Western Daily Press, Temple Way Bristol BS99 7HD.