WORKING parents in Kidderminster have been boosted by a £25,000 lottery grant which has been used to help expand facilities at a day nursery.

The Kiddies Day Nursery in Chester Road South has put the cash towards building an extension which has become home to a club for children aged between five and 13.

The Klub, which opened in time for half term week, has places for 16 children and will be open during school holidays - as well as emergency closures.

It features a computer, reading room and "creative tables giving the opportunity for self-expression on a variety of materials and equipment".

Staff at the nursery, which was set up in Kidderminster 12 years ago, have also installed a range of outdoor play gear including puppet theatre, circus tent, balancing beams, tunnel, swings, slides and climbing equipment.

The nursery was crowned "Business of the Year" by Wyre Forest Business Club in 1999.

Founder Denise Hodgetts said: "When the Klub is established it is hoped that some of the children will join the management team and take part in the forward planning of activities."

The Klub now has its own minibus which will be used to transport children to a range of outdoor activities. The nursery also has a branch in Stourport and until now has catered for children under five.

Mrs Hodgetts said a group of parents whose children had left the nursery suggested setting up the club in 1999 as child care facilities for the five to 13 age group were scarce.

"We hope that children from all walks of life, and not just previous users of the nursery, will use the club - but at the moment children who have prior knowledge of the nursery are snapping up places," she added.