MALVERN Special Families charity has been awarded close to £200,000 by BBC Children in Need.

The grant of £119,051, delivered over three years, is intended to provide inclusive play opportunities for disabled children in the community.

MSF chairman Helen Attree said: "Through the programme of child-focussed support the project aims to increase the children's confidence, help them feel less isolated and prepare them so they are able to cope with challenges they may face in the future.

"This week we are raising awareness about our small charity as we are proud to reach the milestone of supporting local families for 30 years, so it is a brilliant time to receive such good news from BBC Children in Need – I would like to say a huge thank-you on behalf of our MSF families.”

Maria Munday, manager at Malvern Special Families, said: "We’re delighted to have been awarded with this funding from BBC Children in Need. This grant will enable us to work with some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our community and make a positive difference to their lives.”

Malvern Special Families was set up 30 years ago by a group of parents who had children with special needs, to help support each other and has now grown to provide support to over 175 families, offering clubs and play schemes in Malvern and Worcester for children and young people with disabilities.