A CHILDREN’S charity has been overwhelmed by support after launching an appeal for a replacement boiler.

Halton Play Council has received a £1,000 donation from the United Way Committee, part of Eli Lilly Speke Operation Workplace Trust.

The charity on Mersey Road, Runcorn, provides short breaks for children and young people aged four to 18 with additional needs.

It also offers free holiday playschemes for youngsters aged five to 12.

Manager Joyce Reilly said: “The article in the World when we were looking for support was picked up by Stewart Moore, a member of the United Way Committee.

“He nominated us for a grant and we have now been presented with £1,000. This comes from employees’ payroll giving which is then match funded by Eli Lilly.

“This funding will make a huge difference to our charity especially as we enter our busiest time of year with the summer playschemes.”

Summer playschemes run from August 7-25. There will be two sessions each day from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm.

In Widnes they will be held at Hough Green scout hut on Hall Avenue and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College on Highfield Road.

In Runcorn, they take place at Brookvale Community Centre on Northwich Road and at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School on Cotterill, Halton Brook.

For further details call Halton Play Council on 01928 574087.