A WINCHESTER playgroup is celebrating a new batch of equipment donated by a national initiative to keep children active.

Badger Farm Pre-School Playgroup received equipment including tricycles and a trampoline as part of Sainsbury’s Active Kids scheme.

The project uses vouchers collected in-store to provide groups and clubs with gear to promote healthy lifestyles.

Playgroup manager Denise Tosadavine said: “It’s great to be the top collecting organisation in our area. The scheme has helped us teach the benefits of a healthier more active lifestyle to our children over the last few years and we’re really looking forward to getting active with this year’s equipment.”

More than 80 Winchester clubs and groups are registered to the scheme, which has donated more than £5 million worth of equipment across Hampshire since 2005.

Project ambassador and four-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds said: "The new equipment will really help kids in Hampshire lead healthier and more active lifestyles. Being able to inspire kids to cook healthy meals is extremely important.”

Sainsbury’s customers in Middle Brook Street and Badger Farm collected vouchers earlier this year.