A SHOWBUSINESS charity has given a £10,000 boost to Megan Baker House, near Leominster, which is using ground-breaking techniques to improve the mobility of disabled children.

The cash from Stars Organisation Supporting Cerebral Palsy, which is headed by Dame Vera Lynn, will help the centre at Moreton Eye to employ an additional 'conductor,' a therapist using revolutionary techniques developed in Hungary.

Bob Reader, chairman of the Stars charity, conveyed the best wishes of 86-year-old Vera Lynn, the president, as he presented a cheque to Megan Baker centre founder Jo Baker-Watson last Saturday.

Supporters put out the flags for the official opening of the centre's new premises in a converted barn. But there was a hitch in the arrangements when a celebrity guest was unable to attend.

Disability rights campaigner Julie Fernandez of the TV comedy The Office was unwell and was unable to open the centre as planned. Lord Cawley, owner of the building, stepped in at short notice to cut a ribbon in the opening ceremony.

Jo Baker-Watson said she was delighted with the Stars charity funding boost which would go some way to enable the centre to employ a fourth conductor.

"Our work is growing," she said. "We have 71 children coming here each week and there is a waiting list. Converting the building cost £85,000 and annual running costs are £178,000 so fundraising is ongoing."