A Hitchin playgroup is among four Hertfordshire charities celebrating a funding boost through a national awards programme.

Goslings Playgroup in Hitchin has received a £1,000 donation through Benefact Group's Movement for Good Awards, which is giving more than £1 million to charities across the country during 2026.

The playgroup joins three other Hertfordshire organisations to receive £1,000 during the first half of the year – the Ataxia-Telangiectasia Society in Harpenden, the Public Statues and Sculpture Association in Watford and Headlines Craniofacial Support in St Albans.

The awards are now in their eighth year and allow members of the public to nominate charities and good causes they would like to see receive funding.

Almost 7,400 Hertfordshire residents have nominated charities through the programme this year.

Further charities are due to be selected for donations later in 2026, with people across the county encouraged to continue putting forward their favourite causes.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Benefact Group, said: "We are hugely grateful that people continue to take the time to nominate good causes to receive a donation through Benefact Group Movement for Good.

"We understand the difference that £1,000 can make in helping charities continue their vital work, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these donations will have on communities in the future.

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"As an organisation owned by a charity, we donate all available profits to good causes, meaning the more our Group grows, the more we can give.

"Charitable giving is at the heart of everything we do, and we are delighted to donate more than £1 million each year to charities through this programme."

One of the other Hertfordshire recipients, Headlines Craniofacial Support, said its grant would help fund its 2026 Family Weekend for families affected by rare craniofacial conditions.

Karen Wilkinson-Bell, CEO of the charity, said: "As a very small charity with very limited resources, the grant will make a huge difference to our work in supporting those with rare craniofacial conditions, many of whom have nowhere else to turn."

Benefact Group says it has donated £250 million to good causes since 2014.

More charities will receive Movement for Good awards later this year, with nominations remaining open to the public.