THE Burnley Play Association has revealed plans for a centre of excellence for child care.

The group became a charity in 1987 and has since provided weekly play activities across the town.

It now plans to develop a major project which will involve moving premises and employing more staff to bring facilities under one roof.

The association received a £500 Community Chest Challenge Fund grant this week, which will go towards recruiting and training management committee members in fund-raising.

It is preparing a National Lottery bid and applications for money from the 2001 Regeneration Budget Six, the Variety Club of Great Britain and the Tudor Trust.

Chairman and community worker Audrey Thornton said: "We are hoping to set up a centre of excellence for a new child care project. We are looking for a large building where we can provide facilities for disabled children and are going into partnership with the Reedley Lodge, who we have worked with for many years. "There isn't a big light and sounds room in the area and our dream is to provide one for disabled children.

"We want more space to provide training for the play workers, creche facilities for shoppers and after school care."

The association also hopes to develop its summer play schemes.

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