APPLETON Thorn Pre-School has received a £1,000 donation to replace vital craft supplies.

David Wilson Homes North West made the donation through its ‘Our Space Your Place’ community initiative, which aims to support the community projects and local organisations across the region.

The funding will be used by the Stretton Road pre-school to purchase painting and craft essentials which currently need replacing.

Sheila Wallace, treasurer, said: "We were very delighted when we received the news of the donation as it was a bright light for us in what was turning into a very difficult year.

"Less children were attending the pre-school in the summer due to Covid-19 and we had no opportunity to improve our income with fundraising events that we had planned.

"Fundraising is an important part of our small charity and it helps to provide the ‘nice to haves’, leaving the income from the local authority and parents to cover the essential running costs.

"It also gives families and children an opportunity to socialise with families, friends and other people in the community.

"We have already earmarked some of the funding towards painting and craft essentials and once lockdown has been relaxed, we will look at which pieces of our equipment which need replacement."

Appleton Thorn Pre-School is a small charity run by trustees comprising of parents and volunteers.

Sheila continued: "The Our Space Your Place scheme provides a generous distribution of funds to various applicants and is focussed on offering a helping hand to improve community activities.

"I think it is very important for companies to help smaller charities and organisations as these are often the foundation of a community and they can often fall by the wayside through lack of support or the means to access the necessary help."

Rob Holbrook, managing director at David Wilson Homes North West, said: "As a leading developer, it is important that we support organisations and charities in our surrounding areas in order to leave a positive impact in the communities in which we build.

"Appleton Thorn Pre-School is a fantastic organisation that supports children and families to learn and grow in a safe and fun environment and we are thrilled to be able to support them, wishing them all the best for the future."