A STOCKTON Heath estate agent has donated a chunk of its £25,000 'community challenge' fund to the Walton Lea Partnership.

Gascoigne Halman, which is based on Walton Road, gave the charity a £750 boost after it requested money for development work.

The charity has a walled garden site, off Chester Road, and a base in Orford at Long Lane Garden Centre.

The partnership asked for funding to replace a large section of the roof on the Victorian building in Walton following water damage last year.

The site houses offices and a tea room which need protecting in order to host future fundraising events.

But following the improvements Walton Lea will be able to continue putting on events to assist with individual learning, work experience and supported employment for people with learning disabilities, as planned.

The charity has more than seventy beneficiaries in supported employment within its initiative, which includes gardening, woodwork, floristry, conservation work and shop duties.

Board director Viv Lacey said: "We aim to transform the lives of our beneficiaries and give them the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

"We want to thank Gascoigne Halman for this generous donation – it will help us continue our work in a much improved environment."

The firm was established in 1990 but now has 18 offices within south Manchester, Cheshire and the High Peak.

And the estate agent celebrated its 25th anniversary last year by setting up a £25,000 fund to support causes in the area.

The aim was to select charities and community groups that create a 'positive impact on the community while providing long-term benefits for the area'.

Staff at the Stockton Heath branch said they were 'really happy' to support Walton Lea and it could be the start of a vital partnership, with more support planned for the future.