A group that works to improve the team building and social skills of Tipton children has received a special Sandwell Council grant.

The Little Nippers group provides children aged 5-11 from the Princes End area with workshops on sports, cosmetic making, cookery classes, robotics, seasonal crafts and movie sessions.

Children also got to enjoy a trip to Dudley Zoo’s Winter Wonderland event where they met Santa Claus and received a present.

The Thursday sessions started in November at St Mark's Church Hall and will run to mid-March.

Group chair James Marsh said: “I would like to thank Sandwell Council and local councillors who have supported us with funding to enable children to visit Santa and provide sports equipment and craft materials that will be used by children and make a difference to their lives.”

Councillor Ann Jarvis, town chair for Tipton, said: “This is a wonderful idea and the programme will give children a safe and warm environment where they can enjoy activities.

“The cosmetics and robotics workshops will help develop new interests and skills, which hopefully will lead to children spending less time on games consoles and mobile phones.

“And the cookery classes will teach children how to cook meals from fresh and unprepared ingredients, which are healthier to eat due to less salt and sugar being present compared to pre-made food and ready meals.”

It is hoped the activities will encourage children to use their imagination and develop new skills and hobbies. Children taking part in the skills workshops will also receive an information booklet, which they can take home with them, so they can continue with the activities at home.

A town grant of £691 is supporting these various activities.