EAST Hampshire district councillor Graham Hill (Alton Whitedown) has offered Alton Buckle Family Support £1,000 to fund a programme that treats anxiety in young children.

Aptly named From Timid to Tiger, the 10-week course is aimed at families with primary-aged children and offers a new approach for treating anxiety in young children. It is based on evidence that anxious children benefit from a parenting style that is clear, calm and consistent.

Mr Hill said of the initiative: “I am delighted to allocate part of my funding to this fantastic scheme so it can continue its highly-beneficial work with families in Alton. The money will help families with anxious children and also boost their library of resources available to parents.”

One of the parents supported by Alton Buckle is Sara Stone, who said of the support group: “The Alton Buckle staff are amazing and have changed my life over the years. They support so many different families in many different ways and the community would be lost without them. The support they give is much needed.”

Alton Buckle works closely with the 17 Alton Cluster schools covering Alton, Selborne, Chawton, Medstead, Bentworth, Binsted, Bentley and Rowledge, as well as RAF Odiham.

Mr Hill is pictured with Sara Stone and her son Logan, who have benefited from the scheme.