Ashby Co-op has made a contribution to Holy Trinity Playgroup to help fund added facilities for special needs children.

Holy Trinity Playgroup has benefitted from a link with the Co-op from the link by way of financial donations.

Store Manager, Richard Walton, presented a cheque for £250 to Jane Newborough and Charlotte Conibear from Holy Trinity Playgroup.

Manager Jane said: "We've got an outside area already at the moment, we just want to introduce some more SEN products out there. 

"So it's more inclusive for those children that've got special needs.

"Over recent years, we've definitely seen an increase in children that are coming to us that have got special needs, and there's less places for them to go. 

"So that's part of it as well. We're getting more children, not just from autism, but from sight and hearing, different children have different needs. 

"We just wanted to introduce something that could give them the support and education that they need, as well as the other children.

"There'll be a big activity board. It's a bit like those you'd get at home, but in a much bigger version. Yeah. So it's got all different items on there that encourages fine motor skills, movement, physical development - all of your senses."

Charlotte added: "We like to make it nice and bright and inviting for children to enjoy that outside experience as much as possible."

Richard said the Co-op's donation was typical of the projects it likes to support.

He said: "We get the opportunity to do community donations throughout the year to local clubs, schools and preschools - and I had a letter from Holy Trinity Playgroup asking for a donation for a summer fair.

"I thought: 'I can do something bigger than that' - and looked at making a community donation of £200.

"A customer member that came into the store, he's got two children that attended the playgroup.

"So I interacted with him and with Jane, and just took the opportunity to make the donation to a great cause.

"Anything that's local is just so relevant and important to really hit home the opportunity of what the Co-op stands for, working in the community and donating to good causes."