Children in a local playgroup are staying dry when playing in the rain, after a donation of £1,400 from community retailer The Co-operative paid for a shelter in their new play area.
Chair of The Co-operative's West Wales area members committee, Brian Lavender, joined television star and interior designer Anna Ryder Richardson at the official launch of the play area at the Stepaside Community Playgroup.
Based at Stepaside CP School, the playgroup has created a fantastic 'outdoor classroom' complete with a boat-shaped sandpit, sensory garden, wigwam, log circle and recycling area.
Nursery teacher and playgroup leader Alexandra Coles said: "We officially opened our new play area and it's proving to be a lot of fun for the children. As the curriculum has changed, we can now meet the outdoor part and educate youngsters in the outdoor classroom, which is safe and stimulating.
"The whole area encourages the children to learn from outdoor activities, including gardening, cultivating their own vegetable patches and recycling. And it's not just the playgroup that benefits - the rest of the school does too. We'd like to thank all the local businesses that have supported us, including The Co-operative, whose generous grant gave us this shelter."
The donation comes from The Co-operative's Community Fund, part of The Co-operative Group's membership share of profits scheme which allows Co-operative members to donate all or part of their twice-yearly payouts to worthy causes.
"The Community Fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and we are delighted to have made this award to Stepaside Community Playgroup. Many community groups share our co-operative values and could benefit from an award, and we would certainly welcome their applications," said chair of The Co-operative's West Wales area committee, Brian Lavender.