THE Malmesbury Community Trust celebrates its seventh anniversary next month, having given nearly £10,000 to needy people and causes in the area.

The trust relies entirely on legacies and has contributed to causes including a stair lift at Abbeyfield sheltered accommodation and the setting up of Burnham House residential home.

"The trust is for the people of Malmesbury and the surrounding areas and relies on legacies and big donations, as well as the interest made on our money," said Anthony Neve MBE, clerk to the trustees.

He said the mayor of Malmesbury, John Bowen, and the town council clerk Edward Ferguson, are two of the nine trustees.

Wiltshire County councillors John Thomson and Carole Soden, who represent Malmesbury, also sit on the trust. They have been nominated by social services, which can refer causes in need of funding to the trustees.

Mr Neve said applications for funding can be made direct to the trustees, but they must satisfy one of four criteria.

The first is a life-threatening emergency, in which up to £500 can be contributed, with the say-so of two of the trustees.

The second is for elderly or vulnerable individuals, the third is for institutions, such as the Tuesday Club, and the fourth is for deserving projects within the community.

"We are only a small trust but we do help the people of Malmesbury in whatever way we can," added Mr Neve, who said he can be contacted on (01666) 823864.