ST Monica's Pre-School is bidding to receive up to £15,000 funding to bring in new sails which will help protect youngsters from the summer sun.

The Appleton pre-school, on St Monica's Close, hopes to purchase and install at least two sails by April.

As well as searching avenues for funding, staff are working hard to raise money, with a number of events in the pipeline.

Pre-school leader Rebecca Shattock said: "We received around £1600 from a ladies' night fundraiser in November and are currently trying to secure Lottery funding.

"We are going to need around £10,000 to £15,000 – we have almost £2,000 so far.

"In the summer months the children are not protected when they are in the outdoor learning area so we do need the sails and are hoping to have two or three.

"We have a few irons in the fire. To have them in for this April would be amazing but we can't guarantee that and there is a long way to go.

"We have a few fundraising ideas and are thinking to put on a couple of car boot sales in spring."

The pre-school also has summer and September places available for youngsters aged three or over.

For further information call 269258, e-mail stmonicaspreschool@hotmail.co.uk or visit stmonicaspreschool.co.uk.