TWO charity services in Hexham that provide respite care for children and young people with severe learning disabilities have received a grant of £12,750 from the Morrisons Foundation.

Acorn and Adlin House on the Monksfield site on Corbridge Road will use the funding to improve their gardens, including a gazebo so children can play outside safely and sensory items such as musical equipment.

New wheelchair walkways and raised flower beds will also be installed.

The sensory gardens provide a safe space for children to play and support the development of a variety of skills, such as hand-to-eye coordination and social interaction.

The sum is part of a £150,000 grant Action for Children has received to support 10 disability services across the UK, and follows last year’s grant of £50,000.

The foundation was launched in February 2015 and awards grants for charity projects that improve people’s lives.

Monksfield childrens’ service manager Roseanne Montague said: “We’re thrilled to benefit from this grant from the Morrisons Foundation.

“The money will help us make improvements to the gardens.

“Many of the children we support have substantial and highly complex needs and playing outside benefits their health, wellbeing and development.”