Pudsey drops in on his pals

The organisation, based at the Link CE Centre, has been running for ten years, thanks largely to its funding from Children In Need, which has donated over £30,000 over the years.

Said Julie Akers, chairwoman: “The support from Children In Need allows us to take the kids on trips to places such as Edinburgh Zoo. It also helps us buy play equipment for use at the Link Centre.

“We are an entirely volunteer-run playgroup, not one of us gets paid, so the continued funding we get is massively important. This was our first visit by Pudsey.”

The dedication and hard work of the volunteers has certainly impressed the childcare experts - at its last Care Commission inspection, the playscheme was rated “very good” in all categories.