A PLAYGROUP in Altrincham that was near to closure six months ago has received a huge shot-in-the-arm.

For the YWCA group is one of several in Trafford to be granted funds as part of the National Lottery 'Awards For All' scheme for local organisations.

And the total of almost £1,000 will enable the organisers to purchase new equipment including art materials for the Early Learning Centre.

The playgroup has been running for over 25 years but, as reported by SAM last September, was almost shut down because of a hike in rent costs at their Ashley Road base.

But thanks to the overwhelming response by readers, the group found a new home at St George's Bicentenary Hall and welcomed a new start.

Now the group which caters for kiddies aged from two and a half until school age can improve their provisions thanks to the £875 grant.

Other groups in Trafford to benefit from lottery funding include:-

St John the Evangelist Parochial Church Council - £4,695 to help fund a spring gospel festival; The Sudanese Supplementary School - £4,800 to improve teaching and sports provision as well as staff training; Irlam Male Voice Choir - £1,318 to fund membership recruitment and purchase an electronic piano; The Pyramid Project - £4,500 to set up an office and buy materials to expand training provision and facilities; Lostock Community High School, Stretford - £1,028 to improve sports facilities and fund coaching fees and transport/venue costs; and Community Development Initiative - £4,997 to start a youth club including the hiring of a venue and the purchase of equipment to offer a wide range of activities.

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