FAMILIES and staff at a children’s charity in Tidworth have received an early Christmas present, with the announcement of a £225,000 grant.

The NSPCC Tidworth Service Centre has been awarded further support from the Army Central Fund to help continue its work with military and civilian families.

The money, which will be spread over three years, will also help the NSPCC Catterick Service Centre in North Yorkshire.

The announcement was made by Julian Panton, secretary of the Upavon-based Army Central Fund, as he helped to switch on Tidworth’s Drummer Lane centre’s Christmas lights on December 5.

Lt Col Panton said: “We have had a long relationship with the NSPCC centres in Tidworth and Catterick, we are very keen to continue providing support for the important work they do with the army community.

“It was great fun to be invited to switch on the Christmas lights and to support the NSPCC’s Christmas Campaign. The decorations were fantastic – well done to everyone.”

The event also saw various decorations unveiled, which had been created by children and their families attending the service centre – to mark the NSPCC’s nationwide Light Up Christmas For Children festive campaign.

Gail Jordan, children’s services practitioner at the centre, added: “From Rudolf handprints to children’s faces in NSPCC stars, and from handmade baubles to a giant snowman creation, the decorations look fantastic and have really brought festive cheer to the centre.

“The announcement of the additional funding made the event even more special. It will help us to continue to provide services that provide invaluable support to military families locally.”

Services provided in Tidworth include drop-in sessions and Pregnancy in Mind – helping mums and dads cope with having a baby.