A pre-school in Thornbury, which opened the doors to its new home earlier this year, has been given the gift of a new climbing frame thanks to funding from their councillor.

First Step Pre-School, received a £225,000 grant from the Department for Education, but were unable to raise the rest of the funding needed to complete the building, leaving its future in doubt.

But following intervention from South Gloucestershire Council the project got back on track, with SGC funding the shortfall.

Cllr David Chubb, who represents the Thornbury North ward on South Gloucestershire Council, pledged £650 of his Member Assisted Funding to the pre-school for a brand new climbing frame.

Speaking on behalf of the pre-school, First Step chair Geoff Chappell offered his gratitude to the Thornbury councillor.

“We all want to wish a big thank you to David, not just for his contribution in helping us get this amazing new equipment, but for his support through the tough times in completing our new home,” he said.

“This climbing frame is our very own first step as we look to offer our children something outside the four walls of the new building, gives them a chance to be even more active.”

Cllr Chubb said: “I am really pleased to see my Member Assisted Funding being put to such good use by First Step.

“It was wonderful to see the Council save the building project earlier this year and it makes me very happy to see so many smiling faces here today. I hope this new equipment will be enjoyed just as much by many children to come.”