Youngsters at a local playgroup will be improving their pedal power, courtesy of Wales' largest independent bakery.

Carew Play and Learn Group has received a slice of Crumlin -based Brace's Bread's 'Bread for the Community' fund, which was set up to help local communities join in the bakery's centenary celebrations this year. Local charities as well as groups that do not qualify for national funding are invited to apply for grants of up to £500, to enable them to purchase equipment or complete a project.

Gwenllian Head, vice-chairperson of the playgroup, applied to the fund for a donation to purchase eight new tricycles to help keep the youngsters, aged between two and four, entertained.

The playgroup provides care and education through the medium of play for youngsters of pre-school age and encourages them to interact through a range of organised activities. A mother and toddler group has also recently been set up to cater for parents and children under two-years-old.

Gwenllian said the staff were delighted with the donation and that the youngsters could not wait to start playing with the new equipment.

"We look after more than 10 children on a daily basis, so it's sometimes a job to keep them all entertained, but putting them on wheels usually works!" she said.

"We're really grateful for the donation and there are a lot of very happy children here at the playgroup who would like to say a big thank you to Brace's."

Scott Richardson, marketing director of Brace's Bakery, said the donations were a way for the company to give something back to local communities.

"We're celebrating such a big anniversary this year that we wanted to do something special to commemorate the event and, more importantly, involve local communities in the celebrations," he said.

"Shoppers throughout South Wales have been loyally buying our products for the last 100 years, so we are happy to have the opportunity to give something back. I hope the youngsters have hours of fun on their new bikes!"

The scheme is running throughout 2002 and Brace's has £1000s more to distribute to deserving causes. To apply for a slice of 'Bread for the Community', write including a description of the project, an explanation of why the money is needed and contact details, and send it to Carolyn Stanley at Brace's Bakery, Cambrian House, Croespenmaen Industrial Estate, Crumlin, Newport, NP11 3AG.