PRE-SCHOOL children with learning disabilities are to benefit from Lottery money.

The West Wilts Portage Service, which helps children learn in their own homes, has received a grant for £2,400 as part of the National Lottery's Awards For All programme.

Service co-ordinator Sue Oliver said: "Every year West Wilts Portage Service needs to raise a minimum of £25,000 in order to offer the service to more of the very special children and families who need our support and as a small independent charity, fundraising is a considerable challenge."

The charity receives enough funding to provide a specialist service for 20 children but has a long waiting list of more children needing help.

Each child learns through structured play activities designed to meet their own individual needs.

The service aims to teach parents and carers how to help their children learn and develop.

Their help can dramatically improve children's quality of life, teaching them how to communicate, feed themselves or become more mobile.