IMPROVEMENT projects at two Basingstoke children’s charities are well on their way thanks to grants from a housebuilder.

Castle Hill Preschool and Pebbles Children’s Centre have both received £1,000 as part of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley's Community Champions, a national match-funding scheme that supports groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment across the region.

At Pebbles Children’s Centre the cash has gone towards developing a sensory room equipping it with a range of sensory equipment.

Kitty McMonagle, from the charity, said: “It is wonderful news that we have been awarded this money, everyone is over the moon.

“The sensory room will be used by young disabled children including those with visual and hearing impairments or who are on the autistic spectrum. Everyday functions which the majority of individuals take for granted can for people with sensory impairments be negative and upsetting experiences.”

Karen Jenner, from Castle Hill Preschool, added: “We are a small charity run preschool based in Basingstoke.

"We run several fundraising events during the year but we would love more funding to allow us to improve our outdoor playground area and to allow us to book outings for our children. We are most grateful to Persimmon Homes.”

Rachel Faulkner, sales director for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “We were so pleased to help out with both of these projects that we know will make a real difference to the lives of the children using them.

The scheme invites groups and charities to bid for cash from a £750,000 national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally each month.

Organisations can apply for funding by completing a form at persimmonhomes.com/charity.