A children's hospice has received an over £100,000 funding boost to bolster employee training.

Acorns Children's Hospice received the £145,000 donation from Nippon Sheet Glass Ltd (NSG), a leading global glass manufacturer.

The sum will assist Acorns in the development of its workforce over the next 12 months, by offering its employees the opportunity to undertake specialist on-the-job training.

<hr>

Read more: Cher Lloyd enjoys trip to Bierkeller, New Street, Worcester

<hr>

The training is a key component in the charity's commitment to its learning and development programme, giving each team member the chance to refine their skills in their roles.

The announcement was made during a recent visit to Acorns at its Three Counties office in Worcester by representatives from Redditch-based Pilkington Automotive, a division of the NSG group.

The funding has been made available through the UK’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme.

Stephanie Newell, of Acorns' talent acquisition and development team, said: "We are incredibly grateful to NSG and Pilkington Automotive for pledging such a wonderful amount.

"It gives us a fantastic opportunity to enhance the training offer for our incredible teams and the vital care and support they provide to hundreds of local families.

“Learning and development is a key priority at Acorns, and we are committed to ensuring everyone at the charity has an opportunity to thrive.

"Levy gifting allows us to invest in our people and ‘grow-our-own’ talent through a wide range of qualifications, from specialist pediatric palliative care nurses, to accredited coaches that support teams to deliver organisational goals."

Emma Neal, HR director UK and global functions at NSG, said: "At NSG, we understand how valuable the Apprenticeship Levy is to develop and upskill workforces to be ready for the future.

"This is the first time that NSG has transferred its Apprenticeship Levy, and we are happy that it will make a significant difference to Acorns’ workforce and the children and families they care for."

The hospice offers specialist palliative care to over 700 children and young people across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire, along with support for their families.

This vital work heavily depends on donations and fundraising drives for sustainability.

More information about Acorns can be found on their website at www.acorns.org.uk.