A PLAYGROUND for disabled children has been awarded thousands of pounds by the charitable arm of the Guardian's publisher Newsquest.

The Elhap Adventure Playground in Roding Lane North, Woodford Bridge, has been given £5,500 by the Gannett Foundation.

The money will be used to buy a new piece of equipment called a Round the World swing, which the charity has been hoping to buy for many years.

The playground is used throughout the year by children and young adults with special needs and disabilities since 1977.

A total of £328,577 was handed out to 38 causes by the Gannett Foundation across the country to benefit people who live in areas served by Newsquest papers.