A CHIPPENHAM playgroup is to offer extra lunchtime sessions after receiving a £6,181.90 grant.

The New Causeway Playgroup meets at Little Englands Social Centre, off Wood Lane, Chippenham.

It looks after three to five year-olds each weekday between 9.30am to noon.

Following the grant, the playgroup is to hold a lunchtime session between noon and 1.15pm, as well as opening 15 minutes earlier.

"We are splitting the grant pretty much down the middle," said parent Kirstin Reid, 35, who is a member of the parents' committee. Her sons, Callan and Ross Mcintyre, attend the playgroup.

She said: "£3,531 will be spent on capital costs and equipment and the rest of it will be spent on staff and a quality assurance scheme which we have to go through."

Mrs Reid said the quality assurance scheme regulates the quality of the playgroup, looking at issues such as staffing and facilities.

She said the playgroup will also be looking to buy new equipment including tricycles and climbing frames.

It also plans to use the money to help youngsters improve their knowledge of cultural religions and foreign foods.

The money has come from a £145,995 grant awarded by the Government's New Opportunities Fund to the Wiltshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. Other playgroups to benefit include St Mary's Pre-School in Malmesbury and Box Holiday Club.