A LEIGH-based charity is set to start 2017 with a funding boost thanks to the Journal.

Each year the newspaper's parent company Gannett hands out grants through its foundation trust in support of good causes in communities across the country.

And this year it was decided that Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link should be awarded a cheque for £6,000.

The organisation, based at Charles Street in Leigh, works with older people in the community to provide help, advice and support for those in need.

The much-needed funding will be used to buy home shopping packs for older residents who live alone and have been discharged from hospital or may have lost their husband or wife.

The packs, which cost approximately £35 each, include basic shopping supplies such as milk and bread, to give people time to recover and make arrangements for future provisions.

Manager Paul Roughley, who was presented with the Gannett Foundation cheque from Leigh Journal editor Hayley Smith, said: "We rely on donations and funding from grant applications so this money will make a massive difference.

"It means we will be able to cover between 300 to 400 discharges from hospital, so we are very grateful."

Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link offers a number of social groups and activities for older residents looking for fun and companionship, and those who want to maintain their own independence.

The group also provides practical and emotional help, along with counselling and financial advice.

For more information about the group go to pensionerslink.org.uk.

Groups who missed out on Gannett Foundation funding this year are invited to apply for the next round of grants, which will be announced later in the year.