A CHILDREN'S charity has received a grant worth thousands of pounds from Barclays Bank.

Now Caring Today, based at Brierfield Community Centre, Colne Road, plans to launch a support group for parents and carers of disabled children.

The money will pay for them to relax with therapies, learn skills such as computing, take English lessons and go on trips.

Founder Feeraz Begum declined to reveal the exact amount but said it was thousands of pounds.

She added: "Most of our carers feel they only have caring duties to do and that's it. These funds will help us get them out, make them feel assertive and confident and give them time to themselves.

"This is for all carers, no matter what community they are from or who they care for. If anyone is interested, give us a ring and enrol."

The charity is advertising in special schools to inform parents about the support group.

Despite the windfall, bosses at the charity are still on the hunt for further funds to buy a 16-seat minibus.

The Variety Club has pledged to help the campaign, but the charity must raise £15,000 and appeals have met with a slow response. Many parents cannot drive and will struggle to get their children to the centre without the bus.

The charity has been running for more than three years with funding coming from Pendle Community Network, the Local Network Fund and donations.