A Swindon charity received a Christmas boost with a grant from a major national bank.

The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales gave £3,000 to the West Swindon Family and Community Project. The charity is just one of seven in Wiltshire that has received money from the foundation.

Based in Freshbrook, West Swindon, it aims to help children and families, particularly those with children under five. It works alongside several education organisations including Swindon College to provide courses for parents whose free time is taken up with child care.

Much of the charity's work is undertaken by volunteers running drop-in sessions to give advice and information for those who need it.

The grant has been used to refurbish the charity's facilities on Gainsborough Way by improving access for the disabled.

"We all really pleased without the grant we simply could not have had the refurbishment," explained Alison Cardifs, the project co-ordinator

The Family Mediation Service Swindon, based in Milton Road, also received £3,000. It works with couples who are separated or getting divorced and helps to make arrangements concerning children, property and finance.

The Lloyds TSB foundation has supported around 355 charities in the South West with grants totalling over £1 million.

The money is used to fund projects such as community centres, social clubs, playgroups and other services, which aim to encourage disadvantaged and disabled people to play a larger role in their communities.