A COMMUNITY group in Trimdon Grange is celebrating the arrival of important equipment to help children with disabilities.

East Durham Play and Community Network has bought a multi-sensory trolley, with the help of a £3,000 grant from Ronald McDonald Children's Charities (RMCC).

The new equipment includes a sound system and projector, which will help to develop the children's communication skills.

Margaret Girvan, from the East Durham Play and Community Network, said: "With the new equipment we will be able to provide our pupils with more opportunities to play and interact with one another and their parents.

"The trolley will help to grow the children's confidence and ability to communicate. We very much appreciate RMCC's contribution to this project."

RMCC spokesperson Narinder Singh said: "RMCC is dedicated to providing grants to help children with special needs enjoy a full and fun life.

"East Durham Play Network does fantastic work with its children and we are delighted to support them."

RMCC, which last year donated over £598,000 to more than 300 children's organisations, pledged a further £300,000 in donations to causes that will help children with special needs in the first half of the year.

The grants are awarded to charities, schools and hospitals that directly benefit children with special needs and fund equipment ranging from multi-sensory aids to musical instruments and computers.