TWO DIY stores have made a donation of sand to a children's club.

Barmston Out of School Hours Club (OSH), in Washington, was set up a year-and-a-half ago to care for children with parents working outside of school hours.

Youngsters aged between three and 14, including special needs children, are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities, including role play, reading, cookery and art.

Now they can also enjoy building sand castles thanks to the donation by B and Q and Homebase in Washington.

The stores also presented the club with a decorated Christmas tree.

Elaine Morley, acting manager of the OSH club, said: "The children were delighted with the presents and we are extremely grateful to B and Q and Homebase.

"The club is a huge success and we rely on support from local business, as well as parents and the Sunderland Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership."

Norma Hardy, head of early years and childcare in Sunderland, said: "We work very closely with providers in the area in setting up OSH clubs and supporting them when applying for funding, so it is very encouraging to see local businesses taking an interest."