A MAN has appeared in court accused of wrecking a nursery in the centre of York.

Adrian Paul Lewis was arrested on Sunday morning and charged with burglary and criminal damage following the break-in at Walmgate Day Nursery, which has been forced to close because of the extent of the damage.

The 37-year-old, of Tostig Avenue, Acomb, was remanded in custody after appearing before York Magistrates' Court today and will face a further hearing next week. He has yet to enter a plea to either charge.

As reported by The Press, police officers sealed off a stretch of Walmgate just before 8am on Sunday after receiving reports of an intruder in the nursery, which has space for 42 pupils aged between three months and five years, and items being thrown from the first floor.

Its manager, Alice Longden, said it was now unlikely to reopen until at least the middle of next week after inspectors and insurers have assessed the damage to the building.

Parents of children who attend the nursery have been informed of the situation and other nurseries in the city have begun rallying round to help.

She said: "Even when the assessments have been completed, we will still have to get the nursery back up and running and that will take time.

"However, we have had offers of help from two other nurseries in York, Smartypants and Little Green Rascals, who have said they will provide staff and alternative childcare, and we are extremely grateful to them for that."

Anybody wanting more information about when the nursery will reopen, or who can donate books and music CDs following the break-in, should contact phone 01904 733833 or email info@walmgatedaynursery.com