There’s lots of room at the inn for a Sutton school – but no costumes.

Children can only stage their annual nativity play if they receive help from villagers and businesses.

Sutton Community Primary School also needs to replace items normally used at their Christmas fair. The school lost costumes and equipment because asbestos was discovered near the room where it was stored.

Specialist contractors recommended that stored items including costumes and props were destroyed.

The school has now issued an appeal for donations in advance of its Christmas fair on December 12.

The school’s Friends Association and staff are determined not to let the incident jeopardise Christmas events planned for the children.

Friends chairman Rosie Chew said “We are heartbroken that events planned over Christmas may suffer and we are desperate to replace the items. We are pleading with local businesses and the local community for donations. “We are also desperately in need of material for the Santa’s Grotto and also gifts, toys, chocolates, and other small items that could be used as prizes at the Christmas fair.

“Our Christmas fair is a crucial part of fundraising to provide what is needed for the children that the school budget just doesn’t cover. Missing this opportunity would be extremely sad.”

The school urges people to go along to the Christmas fair, from 11am-1.30pm.

Businesses which have already donated cash or items include Makin Dixon Solicitors, Waterside Engineering, New Laithe Farm Butchers, Craven Bacon Supplies and Gardner’s Choice.

People can also help raise funds for the school by shopping online at thegivingmachine.co.uk or the school’s new fundraising website g1ve.co.uk.

Anyone who can help should contact the school on 01535 633064 or friendsofsuttoncp@live.co.uk. A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council said an asbestos survey in June, in advance of building work, revealed some asbestos material in the school cellar area.

She said: “The cellar area is now undergoing an environmental clean under controlled conditions.

“In order to eliminate any possible potential for contamination by asbestos fibres all stored items, including costumes and props used for drama activities have been removed and disposed of.”