YOUNGSTERS at a York after-school club were overjoyed when they discovered that they had been awarded hundreds of pounds for new equipment.

Up to 40 children aged between five and 11 take part in arts and crafts, chess, Lego and outdoor sports at the Chapelfields after-school and holiday club, which meets at Westfield Primary School, in Askham Lane.

The club, soon to be renamed Outta School Club, attracts children from the surrounding area, as well as outside York, for after-school fun during term time, and activities throughout the school holidays. Now, all the youngsters can enjoy new books and play equipment, such as goalposts and construction games, thanks to a £750 donation from the Community Awards run by women's magazine Candis.

Candis reader Judith Hawkins nominated the club for the award.

She said: "We are delighted to hear that we will benefit from this new fund. The club is a very valuable asset that helps working families and single parents by providing safe, fun childcare."

Candis editor Jenny Campbell said: "We are delighted that our community awards will be giving local organisations the financial help they need to achieve their aims."

Updated: 15:14 Thursday, September 05, 2002