A CHARITY shop which supports a local nursery has been granted £2,500.

The Peter Pan Nursery charity shop in Sherburn in Elmet has been given the funds by the Western area Community Engagement Forum of Selby District Council.

The shop raises money for the local preschool nursery, which caters for children with additional needs, disabilities, learning difficulties and behavioural issues, and is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

Kay Smith, administrator, fundraising and shop co-ordinator, said: "Our charity shop has been a big part of our community for almost 15 years, offering volunteering opportunities where various skills can be learnt, offering social interaction and in turn raising funds to support Peter Pan Nursery who offer care to children and families in our community with additional needs.

"The refurbishment will give us more free ground space, opening up the opportunity to engage with the community much more. Eventually we hope to open the upstairs of the shop up to local community groups, for activities such as knit and natter, craft, and book clubs. We also want to run local events to support local small businesses, including craft stalls, craft lessons. We want to make our shop a place where people feel they can pop in for a chat."

The funds will be used to refurbish the shop, and some work has already taken place, allowing the shop to put twice as much stock out and boost takings for the nursery.

Andrew Pound, chair of the Western CEF, said: "This grant has helped refurbish the toilets at this charity shop – essential for it to develop into a community hub.

"This project really demonstrates what’s really special about Sherburn and the surrounding area – there’s a real sense of community vibrancy as volunteers and local groups work together to make area difference to the local area."

There are five CEFs covering the Selby district, and each has £20,000 to spend on local projects that make a difference in their communities.