CHILDREN from Greendown playgroup have been enjoying their new all-weather play area.

It was installed early last week following a successful charity raffle, auction and disco, which raised £2,300 - more than double the expected figure of £1,100.

The playgroup had been threatened with closure in 2001 when its former home in the Len Hobbs community suite in Greendown School was needed by the school to accommodate new pupils.

Thanks to nearly £20,000 in donations from energy-provider Innogy and the Nationwide building society, the playgroup was given a new building near the school.

The group currently has 37 children and five staff on its books.

Tracy O'Connor, head committee member of the playgroup, congratulated staff, parents and committee members on their hard work.

She said: "The play area is a huge improvement, and all the children are keen to start playing in the new area with footballs and pushchairs.

"Health and exercise are obviously very important to us and the children and after all the setbacks we have suffered, things seem to be looking up."

The playgroup plans to continue its fundraising, hoping to provide more outdoor toys and to clad their portable building in order to aid insulation.