A CHILDREN’S centre has secured funding thanks to a Leigh-based housing provider.

A parent group from Ince Children’s Centre has been granted £1,200 from Adactus Housing Association’s Neighbourhood Fund to purchase new play equipment.

The group plan to buy a variety of play equipment including stickle bricks, dinosaur activity map, road safety sets and giant bugs, which will be used in the centres play sessions.

Penny Doherty, link worker from the Children’s Centre said “With the continual cuts in funding it is vital we seek alternative ways to fund our sessions to ensure we can continue providing services to the community.

“We desperately needed to expand and replace our play equipment so we are thankful that Adactus awarded us the money.

“Play is a vital part of any child’s health and well being and assists their social, intellectual and physical development.”

The centre on Charles Street offers activities including stay and play, parent’s forum, toddler sports and playtime in the garden.

Lindsay Ogden, neighbourhood development officer at Adactus said “Children centres are a valuable asset in our communities; they provide a variety of activities, support and advice that have a positive impact on families.

“We are thrilled we have been able to support the centre and purchase the new play equipment and hope everyone has many hours of fun using it.”