A CENTURY-old tradition looks to be set in stone for many more years to come after two county charities were given a helping hand worth tens of thousands of pounds from the owner of the Hereford Times.

The Gannett Foundation, a community fund set up by its American parent company, awarded £50,000 towards ongoing works at Hereford Cathedral.

The money will go towards the restoration of the western end of Cathedral Close, which will include a large mosaic-style pavement, and has delighted those behind the application.

Glyn Morgan of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust said: “The Hereford Times’ commitment to what we were trying to achieve, which has culminated in this grant, has always been greatly appreciated and also demonstrates the paper’s commitment to this community.

“We look forward to the paper continuing to give excellent coverage of the restoration, of trust events and the many other exciting projects and activities which happen in and around the cathedral.”

A design based on the carol Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, which was also chosen to reflect Herefordshire’s association with the cider apple, will offer a well-lit seating area and also welcome visitors to the historic Mappa Mundi exhibition.

The Very Revd Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford, said the grant was received with “great gratitude”.

“Like the Hereford Times, the cathedral is committed to the community in which we live and this is a real example of that partnership,” he said.”

Home-Start Herefordshire, which supports local families with children aged under five, also received £1,100 to buy 60 play bags which will help volunteers communicate with youngsters during times of hardship and boost their self-esteem.

Scheme manager Mandie Preece said: “The children will take part in a wider range of art-based play experiences and this in turn will allow them to acquire and develop new skills that will support their future development.”

■ The Gannett Foundation is a charitable arm of the Hereford Times’ publisher’s American parent company Gannett. The money is awarded to worthwhile causes in the circulation areas of its newspapers across the country.