THE last slice of funding needed to improve a community service for families in Fareham has been approved by council chiefs.

Fareham's executive committee have added their support to plans to refurbish the Oak Meadow Centre in Tewkesbury Avenue.

The facility provides childcare for children aged four to 11, including full day care for under-fives and a breakfast club, after-school club and holiday playschemes for older children.

A £154,000 scheme of improvements will create a welcoming community area within the early years centre. It will also include a kitchen, washing facilities and a tumble dryer.

Leisure chief Councillor Connie Hockley said: "There are a lot of needy families. We'd like to give them a boost."

Councillors agreed to support a grant of £5,500 to pay for all the centre's fixtures and fittings.

Hampshire County Council had already pledged £147,000 towards refurbishing the building.

A further £1,500 had been awarded by Fareham Council's community grants programme.