Staff, trustees and of course the children and their carers who use soft play facilities provided by Jump Start, were literally jumping for joy this week when they heard that their application for Big Lottery funding had been successful.

The Ross Gazette reported in August that the charity was hoping to secure the funding to enable them to continue for the next five years. The money, £171,000, will also help Jump Start develop parenting support and expand into the Forest of Dean.

There was a celebration at Upton Bishop Millennium Hall on Monday. Councillor Jenny Hyde, the Herefordshire Council's Lead Member for Children and Young People's Services, and the Mayor of Ross, Councillor David Ravenscroft attended along with Councillor Colin Gray, Simon Glover from Flying Colours and trustees from other charities which support