SCHOOLS in Chippenham were awarded more than £12,000 by the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.

For the last 19 years, the charity has helped all 14 schools in the town through its social fund.

This was originally set up to help schools to provide uniforms for families in need, and now also helps schools to ensure pupils do not miss out on trips or activities.

This year’s fund was £12,040, split between the 14 schools, with £2,559 going to Hardenhuish.

It is allocated by working out the numbers on the roll and the number of free school meals.

There is also £64,000 available to the schools as grants to support education projects that enrich the learning experience.

Phil Tansley, executive officer at the charity, said: “As we do not fundraise, relying on income from £1m in trust funds, it is hard to get the message out to people in Chippenham that we are here for their benefit.

“We give out £240,000 in grants each year.”