TOMMY Thumbs pre-school in Middlewich is just one of a number of local community organisations which are benefiting from a new sponsorship scheme which has been introduced by Dane Housing.

As a result of the scheme, Dane Housing, the company which has taken on ownership of Middlewich's council houses, has so far this year donated more than £3,000 to community groups in the local area.

Company chairman John Pollard explained: "One of our constant aims is to further strengthen our involvement with the communities throughout the borough and our sponsorship project seemed the perfect way to achieve this."

Tommy Thumbs has put the money to good use. It has bought new toys and created a new play area.

The playgroup has also developed a garden where the children are now able to grow their own produce.

Any community group can apply to be considered for sponsorship, according to Dane Housing's performance review manager Paul Robinson.

He said: "The company considers projects from community and voluntary groups that relate to the objectives of Dane Housing and bring added benefits to both our tenants and to the wider community."

Any community groups wishing to be included on the company's sponsorship mailing list should contact the customer service office on 01260 281037.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.