Nine Wandsworth playgroups have received more than £6,900 to spend on new equipment from Help a London Child 2001.

Each group applied to the Capital FM charity for the grants with the help of Wandsworth Primary Play Association.

St John's Playgroup in Wandsworth caters for children with special needs.

Co-ordinator Sue Garard said: "We are thrilled to bits. The money will be spent on bigger toys like cars and bikes to enhance the children's physical play."

Rookstone Road Playgroup, Tooting, will use its share for indoor exercise equipment and ethnic musical instruments.

Coronation Gardens Carer & Toddler Group, Southfields, looks after 18 children and will use the cash for outside equipment including bikes and balancing equipment.

Cheryl Baker, co-ordinator of Hotham After Schools Club, Putney, welcomed the grant and said: "We are absolutely delighted about the money. It will be spent on books and bean bags for the quiet area of the club."

Riverbank & Ashburton Playgroup, will spend its share on indoor and outdoor equipment for its centres in Putney and Roehampton.

Penwortham Out of School Club, Tooting, Wakehurst Playgroup, Battersea, and Mayfield Children's Centre, Southfields, also received grants.

December 10, 2001 17:00