CHILDREN at Okehampton Children's Centre will enjoy new toys and healthy snacks thanks to Waitrose's Community Matters Scheme.

The centre was one of three charities chosen to take part in the scheme during November. Using tokens at the till, customers decide how to distribute a £1,000 monthly total between three local charities and organisations.

Community Matters co-ordinator Sonia Kelly called into the centre on January 22 to present centre head Chris Parsons with a cheque for £846.

Chris said: 'Okehampton Area Children's Centre is delighted to receive this substantial donation from Waitrose and would like to thank all the people of Okehampton who chose to donate to us.

'Originally we requested funding to provide food to cook a Christmas lunch with the young parents' group and to provide food for the Christmas party for 80 parents and children.

'We will now be able to provide healthy snacks for sessions this term, and particularly the Healthy Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY) course.

'As the children's centre has now been established for five and a half years, our toys and resources are rather well worn. Therefore, we would like to renew many of them so that all our children under five in the area will benefit.'

Throughout its five years, the centre has set up a wide range of facilities and sessions for parents and children in the area. These include baby groups, healthy child clinics with health visitors, ante-natal classes with midwives, parenting courses, individual family support and home visits, and outreach sessions to Chagford and Whiddon Down.

The centre is also setting up a new group for young parents and parents to be under 18 years. The sessions will run each Tuesday from 11am to 12.30pm in Room 13 on St James Street. They provide a chance to socialise, get benefits advice, education and training support as well as practical parenting tips.

To find out more about the centre call 01837 658621.