THREE charity groups in Vale Royal have been given a cash boost - thanks to the Guardian.

Gannett, our parent company,y handed out its latest grants through its foundation trust fund this month - and thanks to appeals in the Guardian, three groups have been hand-picked to receive donations.

There was an overwhelming response, with more than 20 applications arriving at our Market Street office.

They were duly forwarded to our head office and the foundation trustees met last month to consider all the applications received nationwide.

And the Guardian can announce that three groups in Vale Royal have had success.

They are: Toc H, Cheshire Penguins and the Vale Royal branch of the Alzheimer's Society.

Both Toc H and the Alzheimers Society received £4,000 each, while the Cheshire Penguins were awarded £7,000.

Cheshire Penguins, which provides the only swimming club in the county for people with disabilities, will put its money towards a new mini bus.

Although the group's current bus is a lifeline to its members - taking them to swimming galas and social events across the region - it is in a poor state of repair and is unlikely to pass its MOT.

Depending on how much the group can raise, it hopes to either bring the coach up to standard or buy a reconditioned bus - and the Gannett grant will go a long way to helping.

Meanwhile, the Vale Royal branch of the Alzheimer's Society, based in Northwich, aims to create a Caring Caf at its Manchester Road premises.

Similar to a coffee morning 'drop-in', the caf will primarily be aimed at carers and would provide a once-a-month chance for carers, their friends and family to meet other carers, staff and volunteers over a coffee in an informal, relaxed environment.

And Toc H, a community action group based in Winsford, will use the money to fund a summer activity scheme for children with ADHD.

Groups who missed out on grants this time round are invited to keep an eye out for the next round of Gannett Foundation grants, which will be announced later this year.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk