A TODDLER group was thrown a lifeline to keep going over the summer holidays.

Larkfield Children's Centre run the group and they were delighted to receive extra funding from the Youth Connections 'Food for Thought' project, which received support from The Cora Foundation and the Roberston Trust.

It meant that families in the area whose children go to nursery could enjoy activities throughout the holidays, as well as have lunch there.

Claire Brown, family support worker, at Larkfield Children's Centre, said: "I run the group at Larkfield Tenants' Hall but it normally closes for the summer.

"The summer holidays are a long time for families - if their children are at nursery they receive 1,140 hours childcare and lunches.

"The holidays are six weeks and it's so important for families that they can be supported and get sandwiches and fruit and other essentials.

"It's very much a community group here and parents can bring along siblings as well."

Among the activities on offer during the busy programme were a healthy eating day where the tots made fresh fruit kebabs.

They also enjoyed lots of games, drawing and crafts and playing with building blocks plus days out to Heads of Ayr and Calderglen Park in East Kilbride.

Claire said: "We have had really positive feedback from parents.

"These kind of groups are so important, especially for the children as because of lockdown some of them haven't experienced toddler groups or days out."

The toddlers group has also been used as an opportunity to offer advice and practical support to families, with Financial Fitness visiting to offer information on benefits and the iHeat team on hand to provide help with energy bills.

Claire said: "It's been a lifeline for these families."