A CHARITY facing closure only months ago is ready to expand after winning more than £100,000 in grants.

Supporting Parents Network (Span), based in Stanley, is to take on two new workers, thanks to the cash.

Development worker Tom Clark said: "When bids failed in November 2003, we were ready to implement an exit strategy to wrap up the organisation.

"But with a lot of hard work and commitment from parents and professionals, we have restructured and are about to expand our valuable services for families in Stanley - a massive achievement."

The group secured £51,198 from the Northern Rock Foundation, £50,000 from SureStart Stanley, £9,948 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation and £4,305 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. The cash will come in over the next two years.

Span aims to bring parents together and make parenting easier through group work, mentoring and one-to-one support. It also offers training and puts on family activities.

To mark its renaissance, it is holding a free family fun day at the Louisa Centre, Front Street, Stanley, on Saturday, February 19, from 10am until noon.

There will be a bouncy castle, video area, face-painting, craft activities and displays. All families attending will be entered into a free prize draw.

Free refreshments will be available, along with a creche for children under four.

For more details, call Mr Clark, or Jacqui Bowker, on (01207) 281080.