A £35,000 target to create a playground for youngsters at the Alexandra Hospital is just £1,500 short of being reached following a large cash injection.

The project, which has been set up by the hospital's league of friends, aims to provide a playground for able-bodied and disabled patients and should be in place by June.

And last week The Margaret Westwood Trust, which was set up to help young people and organisations in Worcestershire, agreed to pump £1,500 into the appeal.

Delighted league member Dick Bush said: "This money is very welcome and will be put to good use and provide equipment for the playground."

Colin Beardwood, of the Margaret Westwood Trust, said: "The trust was set up many years ago. Margaret Westwood was a Worcestershire woman who left a lot money in a trust and we have used the interest and income to provide grants to young people and groups."

The trust also agreed last week to grant £700 to the town's Rawal organisation, which provides indoor activities for young people from ethnic minority groups.

Mr Beardwood said: "The group is for 10 to 16 year olds at Community House on Easemore Road. The money will go towards providing computer equipment and software."

And 11-year-old Redditch youngster Thomas Cook, who needs specialist equipment to communicate, has been given £350 from the trust to have a keyboard installed in his home.

To find out more about the trust and how to apply for grants, call Mr Beardwood on 01905 775768.