Youngsters can play together thanks to £60,000 Children in Need grant

Bucks Play Association will use the money to fund the Let’s Play Together Play Scheme.

As well as developing independence amongst attendees, the group works to improve integration and peer relationships, as well as encouraging healthy eating.

Alan Dunham, general manager for Bucks Play Association, which is based in Aylesbury but covers the whole of the county, said: “It was fantastic news to hear that BBC Children in Need are to support our Let’s Play Together Play Scheme.

“The funding will enable us to offer additional respite for families in need of our service in the Aylesbury Vale and surrounding areas.

“The support will also mean that we can purchase new equipment for the children and invite outside entertainers such as story tellers, local farms and wildlife centres to enhance learning outcomes and compliment chosen themes of all those in attendance.

“Our thanks go to Children in Need for their support.

“The grant will really help us at Bucks Play Association to make a difference to the lives of so many children in the surrounding communities.”

Elizabeth Myers, BBC Children in Need regional manager, added: “We are delighted to be awarding funding the Bucks Play Association, so that it can go on making a real difference to the lives of children and young people in the area.

“The support we get each year is staggering and everyone should feel proud of what they have made possible. Thank you!”

BBC Children in Need’s life president Sir Terry Wogan said: “Without the phenomenal fundraising efforts from the public, these grants simply would not be possible, so I hope people across the UK feel incredibly proud of the difference they are making to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people who really do need our help. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you.”