AN Allen Valleys pre-school has scooped a share in an £85,000 fund aimed at improving rural communities.

Allendale Pre-school was awarded a £5,000 from the Calor Rural Community Fund. The money will go towards creating a new outdoor learning space for the pre-school’s children to learn, develop, and interact with nature.

Now in its fourth year, the Calor Rural Community Fund provides support and funding for rural communities that aren’t connected to the mains gas grid.

It supplies grants for projects that will improve local life.

Allendale Pre-school was one of 22 winners who have benefited from the funding.

Rebecca Jameson, committee member at Allendale Pre-school, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding as we can now, at last, get started on making this much needed outdoor space happen.

“We’ll be creating a garden that will transform neglected land in the heart of the village into a fantastic resource to benefit the children of Allendale for years to come, so thanks again to Calor for this exciting way to start a new academic year.”

The grand total of £85,000 on offer was the largest funding pot Calor has ever offered, to coincide with the company’s 85th anniversary.

Andy Parker, head of strategy and corporate affairs at Calor, commented: “It’s great to see how passionate these rural communities are and how each of their projects will make such a difference for all those living in the local area.

“Allendale Pre-school is a great initiative and example of community spirit at its finest.

“It’s fantastic that they will use the grant to build a yurt which will facilitate forest school learning, storytelling and nature adventures.