An outbreak of chickenpox has plunged a pre-school into a cash crisis.

St Martin's Pre-School, in St Martin's Church Hall, Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, is running low on funds after almost half of its fee paying children were off sick.

Writer Marina Baker, 27, whose three-year-old son Charlie attends the pre-school, said: "The last few weeks have been particularly difficult.

"Since Christmas, 27 of the 60 pupils have had chicken pox.

"The children have to stay home for two weeks and don't have to pay fees during this time. This has led to a huge drop in revenue."

The community pre-school receives only a small amount of government funding with the majority of the school's overheads being met by fees and the hard work and dedication of parents and staff who involve themselves in charity events.

The parents have now organised a fund-raising event in the hope of securing the future of the pre-school.

They will be holding an Easter fair at St Martin's Church Hall, in Saltdean on Saturday, April 7.

Highlights will include an egg hunt for children, Easter bonnet making and a sponsored egg roll by the children, a prize draw with a top prize of £100 cash and other prizes including a year's free subscription to the parenting glossy Junior Magazine, a new hair-do from local salon Glenda's and lunch at the Lobster Pot fish and chip shop in Saltdean.

The fair starts at 10am and goes on until 1.30pm.