YOUNGSTERS at Dunkery Pre-School can look forward to a secure future thanks to a financial boost.

The facility, which runs from a purpose-built base at Cutcombe First School, has been awarded a £3,464 grant from Somerset Community Foundation's Grass Roots initiative.

The money will help cover the running costs of the pre-school, which currently has 14 youngsters aged between two and five on its books.

Chairman Caroline Harding said she was absolutely delighted that the application for funding had been successful.

"The grant will help us continue to promote and achieve good childcare in this small community," she said.

"We can take up to 18 children but, although are numbers are pretty good at the moment, it is always tough providing a facility like this in a rural community."

The pre-school was set up in 2001 and moved into its purpose-built base in 2008.

Ofsted inspectors gave it a good rating in 2009 and its two part-time staff run six-hour sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays and a three-hour session on Fridays.

"We aim to provide a stable, safe and happy environment and offer a wide range of activities, which includes inside and outside play," said Mrs Harding.

In addition to the grant aid, the pre-school is also celebrating an award of almost £160 from a Cutcombe-based charity, the Ellsworth Foundation.

The money has paid for a 12-foot banner to advertise the pre-school's fundraising events.

Photo: Steve Guscott