Youngsters at a playgroup will enjoy playing with new toys, thanks to a helping hand from the Millennium fund.

The Bright Start Pre-School, in Carterton, meets five mornings and three afternoons a week in the town's social centre, with up to 42 children at a session.

The town's Mayor Joe Walcott handed over a cheque for 8,000 to the playgroup's manager, Dawn Warrilow.

Dawn said: "This donation will make a great difference to the children who attend as all of the money will be spent on new toys and equipment.