AN award-winning respite care centre for youngsters will be able to expand after winning £27,000 of Children in Need cash.

New Hope at 35 Wells Road in Ronkswood, Worcester, will use the money to fund three new part-time play support workers.

The not-for-profit centre provides respite care during daytime for youngsters aged six to 19, during school holidays and each Saturday.

It is based in what was once the Worcester Community Housing office – now leased at a peppercorn rent.

The centre has a ball pit and soft play area, multi sensory room and an extensive outdoor play area.

The money will be used over the next three years.

Parents have praised the centre in the past for allowing them a chance to “recharge”, gaining brief respite from the unrelenting reality of caring for a disabled youngster.

Jean Wilson, centre owner, said: “It’s great that we’ll benefit from this grant.

“We offer a truly unique family service but we couldn’t do any of this without the support of organisations such as Children in Need.

“The money will help us to make sure we continue to give as many disabled children as possible the chance to enhance their life experiences and learn something new.”

The centre helps more than 40 children and their families.