TWENTY-four extra places in out-of-school childcare schemes will be created through cash from the New Opportunities fund.

Grants will go to Bumbles Barn, Leigh Sinton, Kids Kapers, Upton and the day nursery being built at Clive's Fruit Farm, Upton.

They are among 14 breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday play schemes receiving shares of £153,000 secured by Worcestershire County Council from the Government.

"We're chuffed to pieces. It means we can provide eight more after-school places and holiday care for 16 children, starting from September," said Nicki Taha, after hearing of the £7,404 award for Kids Kapers.

The after-school club, which she runs with Sarah Loader, opened in March last year and caters for 16 children from the local area.

Jane Clive, who is planning to open a day nursery on the family farm in September, has received a similar grant to provide "wrap-around" care for eight children, bridging the hours between playgroup and the end of the working day.

"I will be able to collect children after a morning at playgroup and bring them to the nursery, to enable mothers to work realistic hours," she said.

At Leigh Sinton, owner Marianna Harvey said the grant to Bumbles Barn nursery meant they would now be able to take up to 20 children in the after-school club, instead of the present 12.

"This is great news for the county and for busy people who need the peace of mind of knowing their child is being cared for to a high standard," said county childcare co-ordinator Cath Ellicott.