A playgroup is set to start a new era after it was given grants of more than £55,000 to pay for a new purpose-built children’s centre.

More than 20 children who attend Happy Tots, based at Highcroft Youth Centre, Wrose, are celebrating after securing enough money to convert a former garage into its new base.

Playgroup leader Lynn Luccock said a major grant from Bradford Council’s early years department will mean the builders can now move in to carry out the conversion.

Work is expected to be completed by the middle of next month.

Lynn said: “We will have a purpose-built play room and have access to an outdoor play area to give the children freedom to move around independently. It will be fantastic.”

Funding has also been secured through the Council’s Shipley Area Committee and grant body Cnet, based in Canal Road, Frizinghall, Bradford.

Wrose councillor John Watmough (Lib Dem) said: “I am delighted we’ve now got the money and can start the work.”