Rainbows, brownies and guides are have praised those who rallied around to help them after all their equipment was lost in the John Ray Infants blaze.

Members of the Brain Valley branch have met at the Notley Road school for more than 20 years and lost items including flags in the fire on August 31.

They have managed to replace all of their day to day equipment with the help of guiding groups from across the county.

Nicola James, district commander for Brain Valley district guides, said: “The help has been fantastic, the guides and community support has helped us find somewhere else to meet.

“We have received so much support.”

The group was also given £450 after Braintree based Daniel Robinson and Sons, held its ninth annual event and raised £18,000 for local charities and groups.