OVER 1,140 childcare places will be created after Hampshire County Coun-cil has been awarded £615,868 by the New Opportunities Fund.

More childcare places will become available through developing existing schemes, expanding after-school and holiday clubs, extending the hours of childcare to ac-commodate working parents.

The grant will provide childcare for children aged three to 14.

Bright Sparks pre-school in Andover has been awarded £10,000 to create 20 holiday childcare places.

Magic Tower Montessori nursery in Andover has been awarded £42,000 to create 12 holiday childcare places and increase the number of hours that are available for their 72 childcare places.