THE Hereford Times has given a boost to a community charity in Herefordshire.

The newspaper handed over £2,500 to ECHO, which works to improve the lives of disabled people in the county.

The money will be spent on improvements at the charity's Priory Centre in Leominster.

The centre runs sessions in areas such as health and fitness, cooking, horticulture and crafts that help participants get more out of life.

Lisa Woakes, ECHO's fundraising and marketing co-ordinator, said the Hereford Times donation had been formally accepted by Kelly Holland, centre manager, and support worker Ian Waterfield.

"They are delighted to be the beneficiaries. It will really help them create a better environment for everyone," she said.

"During the lockdown they have been busy redecorating, and the donation will enable them to buy much-needed new chairs and sensory equipment.

"It will be a wonderful fresh start for when we begin to welcome service users back in a few weeks’ time."

The money has come from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett, the parent company of Hereford Times publisher Newsquest Media Group.

Over the last 10 years it has donated £3million to worthwhile causes in the areas served by its newspapers, and Herefordshire is a regular beneficiary.

Hereford Times editor John Wilson said: "The Hereford Times supports its community in a great many ways, but our grants to local charities are perhaps one of the more demonstrable ways in which we give help where it is most needed.

"Our grants panel were impressed by the work done by ECHO, and we know this money will make a real difference to people's lives."

  • The handover of the cheque had been delayed by the coronavirus lockdown.