We are looking to make it the perfect start to the new year by handing out money from our Children's Fund to help improve the lives of under-18s in our area.

Since it was set up the fund has raised more than £10,000 and our balance was recently given a big boost when a charity ball at Springfields in Spalding managed to pull in a staggering £4,600.

Joanna Neal, who organised the ball with friend Karen Asher, said: "The money was raised by local people and local businesses so we want to keep the money locally.

"I would like it to go to local children – not necessarily children who are ill or who have problems.

"It's just nice to help any children who have a need or a wish."

To start the ball rolling we have already pledged £1,000 to a project that aims to establish the county's premier gymnastics facility for young people.

Alec Harding is senior coach of Spalding and District Gymnastics Club, which is building a new centre in Cradge Bank, Spalding.

The centre will house Spalding and District Gymnastics Club and the Spalding Academy for Gymnastics, newly created by the club for recreational users.

It is costing £30,000 to equip the building with top of the range facilities and after being turned down by South Holland District Council for funding Mr Harding has been delighted with the generous grants received.

He said: "We have been reliant on donations like this one and all the £1,000 donations we get soon add up so we are really grateful for them."

The new centre is initially being aimed at primary age children and Mr Harding believes the venue will be the perfect place to develop the skills of youngsters with an interest as a regular hobby and those who want to take up competitive gymnastics.

He said: "We have been in Spalding for 30 years and the club has always had a nomadic life, going from place to place.

"We have always suffered in competitions because we have not had a fully sprung floor to practise on.

"We have been successful in the bars, beams and vaults but now we will have that floor and the kids will be able to do incredible things on it.

"The equipment will be start-of-the-art and this will be the best centre for gymnastics in the county, which will be a big bonus for Spalding."

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CASH
The fund will help under-18s, including those who need help with things like sports equipment or musical instruments.
The Lincolnshire Free Press Children's Fund will be open to anyone under the age of 18 who lives within our coverage area.
To make a bid for cash from the fund write to the Children's Appeal Trustees, c/o Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian, Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 1AB.