AN art-based Acton charity is celebrating a £10,000 grant from the HS2 rail project to deliver art sessions for youngsters.

Acton Play Projects and Leisure Events (A.P.P.L.E.), based in East Acton, provides free after-school activities and events across the summer term.

The HS2 grant will enable after-school sessions to be held for up to 16 pupils in Years 5 and 6 at John Perryn Primary School.

The charity will also hold four drop-in, open-access sessions at the Art Block, its headquarters in East Acton Lane.

The sessions are designed to prepare for the Acton Carnival on July 15.

Cathy Elliott, independent chair of the HS2 Funds,said: “A.P.P.L.E. has served the people of Ealing for almost two decades, and it’s right we recognise this valuable contribution through our Community and Environment Fund.

“I would encourage any organisation demonstrably impacted by HS2 construction to check their eligibility for funding.”

Vicki Barker, co-founder and project co-ordinator of A.P.P.L.E., said: “It is always amazing the imagination and creativity of the children that come to art club.”

The 14-platform Old Oak Common Station is currently under construction in the area.