Organisations, charities and families have benefitted from an injection of cash donated by the Malmesbury League of Friends in order to support the community.

A total of nearly £20,000 has been used to purchase a variety of medical equipment and to support two local services and two families.

David Hide, the Vice Chairman of the Malmesbury League of Friends said: "The League was initially set up to help the hospital in Malmesbury and when it closed we continued to support the community.

"We have provided money to the Cartmel Community Bus, Malmesbury Primary Care, Tolsey Surgery, Malmesbury Integrated Team, Youth Action Wiltshire and two local families."

Malmesbury League of Friends donated £1,645 to help with Cartmell's insurance premium, £3,200 for various medical equipment, £525 for a washing machine for a family that lost their home to a fire and £9,000 to a family who required a specially adapted minibus for their two disabled children.

Additionally, they also gave £3,500 to Youth Action Wiltshire who will be providing first aid training to the children they support.

Steve Crawley, Projects Officer at Youth Action Wiltshire said: "In terms of grants, this will provide first aid training for a minimum of 100 young people. This enhances the lives of young carers, young people facing challenges in their lives and people currently out of employment, education or training.

"As a charity we reply on grants and donations to help us continue to support young people in Wiltshire and the funding we have received from the Malmesbury League of Friends is absolutely brilliant because it enhances what we can do."

Malmesbury League of Friends have also handed out another £50,000 in two donations to the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy appeal at the Great Western Hospital in recent months.

Robin Clark, Chairman of Malmesbury League of Friends said: “These latest requests are typical of those we receive for support. Although some of them involve quite modest sums, each one will nevertheless make a major difference to the lives of those who will benefit.

“We are always happy to consider requests for help for those living in the Malmesbury area who have a special need.”

For more information visit www.mlof.co.uk.