AN organisation that supports Wiltshire's most vulnerable youngsters has been awarded almost £2 million to continue its work.

The Wiltshire Children's Fund, administered by Barnardo's South West, has secured the three years' funding from the Department for Education and Skills.

The money will be invested in services for children at risk of poverty, abuse and discrimination, helping them to transform their lives and fulfil their potential.

More than £1,999,000 has been allocated from April of this year until March 2008.

It means that the majority of the Wiltshire Children's Fund, part of the Wiltshire Children and Young People's Partnership, will be able to continue its work for at least a further three years.

Some other services will be funded until the end of the summer term, after which they will receive help in attracting other sources of income.

Out of the 23 services currently funded, only three will no longer meet the new criteria for funding.

Christine Robinson, WCF programme manager, is based on the White Horse Business Park in Trowbridge.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted by the news of renewed support. Thanks to the security of further funding for the next three years, we can now plan ahead and build on the excellent work, which has already been achieved all across the county.

"Our new plan will enable us to increase our influence, and develop our vision for a service which gives a louder voice to children and young people when deciding what they want and need."

Projects in Chippenham include the Open Blue Bus, a double decker that acts as a mobile community centre; the Home School Liaison Service, which works with parents at St Nicholas School, the 8-13 Theatre Group, which is run by young people, and the Joint School's Enrichment Project, which works at improving social skills in pupils at Hardenhuish, Redlands and St Paul's schools.

A prime example of the impact of the Wiltshire Children's Fund is the case of one student who took part in a confidence-building scheme and increased her school attendance from ten per cent to 90 per cent.

Ms Robinson added: "The WCF is more than just another grant-giving body it is delivering a programme of co-ordinated work and establishing the best way to deliver services to local children between the ages of five and 13.

"This money will make a tremendous difference to the lives of hundreds of local children and young people."

For further information on Wiltshire Children's Fund, write to Christine Robinson at 3 Ascot Court, White Horse Business Park, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0XA, call 01225 768684, or e-mail christine.robinson@barnardos.org.uk