STAFF at a pre-school near Wallingford are planning to create a garden outside their new building – after getting their third major boost in a year.

Berinsfield Early Years Pre-School, which has 34 children aged three to five on its books, moved into new purpose-built accommodation in April.

Then in September, the pre-school was rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Now, it is one of 11 organisations across South Oxfordshire which have been given a share of grants totalling £84,183.

Pre-school chairman Sue Bainbridge said: “We’re in absolute dreamland at the moment. Our new building cost about £300,000 and then we were rated outstanding by the inspectors.

“Now we are delighted to get this grant of £8,400 and will use it to create a garden with some wooden play equipment.

“It would be great to have a wooden climbing frame in the garden and we will probably start working on that in the spring.”

Before the pre-school moved into their new building in Wimblestraw Road, they had been using a temporary building for 35 years.

Also in the money is South Stoke Community Shop, which received a £15,000 grant to cover a quarter of its start-up costs. The shop is part of the redevelopment of the village recreation ground and volunteers want it to be the hub of the community for people who are unable to make it into Wallingford.

Aston Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe villages received cash for their joint village hall to help fund broadband connections and computers.

And Tiddington Cricket Club is getting a grant for new practice nets.

South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for leisure Bill Service said: “We’re delighted to be awarding these grants to such a wide range of community schemes. The new village shop in South Stoke in particular catches my eye – shops like these are a vital focal point for small communities and their older residents who can often feel isolated from the outside world.

“There are plenty of grants going out to help young people as well, particularly to projects which help them stay healthy and active.

“This is something the council feels very strongly about promoting.”