TODDLERS have enjoyed a treasure trove of new toys after receiving a cash injection from a housing association.

Many organisations and community groups in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd are celebrating after receiving financial support from a Grwp Cynefin £20,000 fund.

It is part of its community support agreement to assist local residents as part of its new extra care housing development, Hafod y Gest, in Porthmadog.

Sharon Jones, Cylch Ti a Fi leader at Porthmadog says that babies and young children of the area will benefit as the Welsh language playgroup will buy new equipment and toys for the youngsters thanks to the £500 awarded to them from Grwp Cynefin.

“It was high time for us to invest in new bicycles and scooters for the young toddlers who attend Cylch, so it’s great news!” said Sharon, who las led the Cylch Ti a Fi from Y Ganolfan in Porthmadog for over 20 years.

Some of the other organisations that are celebrating receiving the financial assistance for their projects include, Cylch Meithrin Chwilog; Welsh language community newspaper Yr Wylan; the renovation project for Parc Gwerin y Coed at Penrhyndeudraeth; improving the outdoor play area at Gorlan Fach, Tremadog; renovation of Minffordd playground and in Talsarnau the funds will assist the community to purchase a defibrillator.

Sharon added: “As community groups we are all feeling the financial strain and here at Porthmadog’s Cylch Ti a Fi the number of children attending has decreased over recent years. We had a difficult few months and had to sit down and rearrange our provision time to ensure the long term viability of the Cylch.

“By now things have re-established and we’re open every Thursday morning to welcome parents, babies and toddlers for two hours of play time from 9am to 11am. Parents can have a coffee a chat and enjoy the support and social aspect on offer.

“We received the good news that Grwp Cynefin looked favourably at our application, so we can invest in new equipment for the playgroup. We are grateful to the housing association for the funding, and look forward to developing a special corner for the babies, with soft and colourful toys to entertain them, in addition to the bicycles and small scooters.”

Other groups to receive support from Grwp Cynefin are: Cylch Meithrin Chwilog - new shed; Ffrindiau Ti a Fi Garndolbenmaen - equipment; Porthmadog Protection Area - CCTV; Gorlan Fach, Tremadog - develop outdoor play area; Cyfeillion Ysgol y Gorlan, Tremadog - new fence; Cae Chwarae Penmorfa - new benches; Gwerin y Coed - renovate the park; Ysgol Eifion Wyn – new IT equipment; Madog Dog Walking; Cylch Ti a Fi Porthmadog - new equipment; Talsarnau Community - defibrillator; Yr Wylan, community Welsh language newspaper - a special edition to celebrate its birthday; Cae Chwarae Minffordd – equipment.See this week's north editions for the full story, in shops and online now