A TODDLERS play group in a deprived area which also seeks to support parents has landed a £44,000 boost.

Leaders of the Parents, Babies and Toddlers group at East Thirsk Community Centre said they were delighted to have overcome competition from numerous other organisations to win the funding from the People’s Health Trust which would enable it to run for two years.

Play leader Amanda Milton said: “We are over the moon as we had been concerned the funding would stop two years after we started the group.”

The grant follows the trust - an independent charity funded by 51 local society lotteries and the good causes money they raise through the Health Lottery - assessing the group earlier this year and concluding it fostered significantly towards the youngsters’ development.

The assessment found the group, which has been attended by more than 100 families over the last two years, 50 per cent of which attend regularly, prepared the children, aged up to three, for nursery.

It found the children who attended the group, which meets three times a week, learnt about responding to boundaries, how to socialise and had improved language ability.

Regular activities include craft tables, which many of the children would not be able to do at home due to the expense.

Former Mayor of Thirsk, Councillor Cynthia Hesmondhalgh said the group had also served to help mothers in an area where opportunities were limited, providing them with work experience, a chance to form friendships and a sense of community.

She said the group had regular visitors, ranging from first aid trainers and beauticians to an adult education specialist, who had inspired some of the mothers to attend courses.

Cllr Hesmondhalgh said: “The East Thirsk area went through a stage when things weren’t going so well, so a play group was started where parents could meet and get work experience. The group is working through the parents for their children. It was the obvious thing to do.”

Mrs Milton added: “It definitely helps the children in a number of areas, but the mums also tell us how much they enjoy it and how much it has helped them.

“Without the group they would not be able to go out and do things like this while someone looks after their children.”