A SUPPORT group for single dads and their children has been saved thanks to a cash injection.

The group — called Dads, Lads and Lasses — is celebrating after being awarded £10,000 by the Big Lottery Fund.

Members had feared they would have to call it a day after backing from Bolton Council ran out.

Nigel Saunby, Dads project worker, said: “This project is really important as there are lots of things in Bolton for mums but precious little for dads.

“This money means we can keep going, which we could not have done. It will last into early next year which will give us time to secure funding from elsewhere. We are applying for funding from various organisations for the next three years."

The group organises activities for fathers and their children around Bolton, at various UCAN centres, courses for dads, as well as one off sporting events. In total, 150 dads and 350 youngsters, aged from babies to 19-years-old, from across the town are members of the group.

Three other organisations in Bolton benefited from a recent round of Big Lottery Fund grants. Cricket Wicket, a cricket-centred after school club, was awarded £2,217; Darcy Lever Football Club received £7,568; and Making Our Minds and Bodies Active nursery school received £2,919 for new play equipment.