MEMBERS of the Lions Club of Alton paid a surprise visit to the Alton Community Association Playgroup to see for themselves the new radiator covers, installed with a Lions donation of £415, and to hand over a cuddly toy lion for the children to play with.

Accompanying Lions president Peter Bacon were fellow Lions Margaret Willoughby, Sharon Hillary and Bill Tigg, who delighted the youngsters as he came dressed in a lion costume. The children loved him and decided to name the becostumed mascot ‘Stanley’.

Based at Alton Community Centre, the playgroup is delighted with the new radiator covers that not only look great but make a real difference to play sessions.

Playgroup leader Vicky Cox explained that in the past, for safety reasons, furniture had to be positioned in front of the exposed radiators.

The new covers mean that the children now have more space to play and the staff have more flexibility in how to arrange the rooms. The play space is also warmer because the heat from the radiators goes directly into the rooms.

The tops of the covers provide excellent display space for models, books and toys.

In addition, a small cover over the radiator in the toilets allows safe heat, and the top is great for soap and towels.

* Alton Lions will be out and about in Alton and Four Marks from today until Friday, November 27.

They will be undertaking a door-to-door collection to fund this year’s Christmas gift delivery to local families and folk in need, and elderly residents who might be on their own over the festive period.