FOR children at Croftlands Infants and Junior Schools in Ulverston, time in the classroom and library is set to get a lot more exciting.

Thanks to a grant from the JF Hornby Foundation, a selection of new books and a consignment of iPads are destined for the school.

The iPads will be used at the junior school - which has recently moved into its new premises - while the books will be used at the infant school.

Jo Procter is the headteacher.

She said: “We raised £1,000 through fundraising and the JF Hornby Foundation kindly matched that.

“We will use the money for home to school reading books and 47 of our reception children will benefit from them.

“Reading is so important for developing communication skills and a lifelong love of books, so we are very excited about the new books.”

EVERY one of Ulverston Rangers’ players proudly wears their new kit emblazoned with the town’s crest thanks to a series of generous grants from a local organisation.

The team, which has up to 60 members per season, has received around £8,000 in funding from the JF Hornby Foundation.

The money has been used to purchase a new strip, training kit and tracksuits every two years.

The ongoing help has been invaluable, said club treasurer John Edwards.

“We wear the Ulverston crest on our shirts and every player knows they are representing the town,” he said. “We’re always proud to tell people about Ulverston when they ask where we’re from.”

Ulverston Rangers current away kit is pink and was specially chosen to draw attention to Breast Cancer Awareness and to act as a talking point at home and away.

John said: “What the foundation has done for the team has been a massive help."

THERE is a special link between JF Hornby and the Barrow Sea Cadets.

For more than 20 years, JF Hornby & Co chairman, John Hornby, was chairman of the board of trustees at the organisation.

Although he retired as chairman four years ago, Mr Hornby continues to play an active role in the unit and is now its vice president. Since it was established, the JF Hornby Foundation has helped the cadets through a number of cash grants.Most recently the group received money which they used to buy a new safety boat.

LT Cdr Paul Douglas succeeded Mr Hornby as chairman.

He said: “John Hornby has been a stalwart supporter of the Barrow-in-Furness Sea Cadets’ charity – T.S. Sovereign, for over a quarter of a century. Whilst providing financial support in the form of charitable donations, most recently a new boat to enhance our cadet training experience, there has been much guidance provided to the charity in the form of leadership and direction for which we are most grateful.”