Cash gift to toddler group is child’s play

Little Rascals Toddler Group has existed for more than a decade, and now use the Russell Foster Football Centre in Newbottle, Houghton, as its base.

Despite the move it has had no money to be able to buy outdoor play equipment.

Now, Houghton Round Table has stepped in and handed over £400 to the group.

John Bloomfield, of Houghton Round Table, said: “On establishing themselves in the new Russell Foster building they have, for the first time, access to safe outdoor space but had no funds available to buy outdoor play equipment that could be packed away at the end of each session and although a not for profit group they did not qualify for any council support.

“One of the playgroup’s mum’s wrote to us to request that we offer some financial support to purchase outdoor toys.

“At the moment all the equipment they have is second-hand stuff passed on from kids who used to be in the group.”

Denise Eden, who has run Little Rascals for the past 33 years, said: “We’re a bit of a lost cause in terms of getting funding so to be given this by the Round Table is brilliant and we want to thank them very much.

“The mams will be going at Easter to look at what equipment we can get such as sandpits and things like that.

“It’ll be great for the kids because where we are at the Russell Foster Centre, although it’s small, it’s got a great sun trap outside.”