CHARITY has been given thousands of pounds to offer emotional and practical support to military families.

Home-Start Colchester will be able to help 45 more families in the town thanks to the £17,829 grant from the Royal British Legion.

The charity, which has been running for 20 years, used to receive funding from Essex County Council.

But this was cut by 75 per cent last year, leaving the charity’s future uncertain.

It has received a number of grants which has saved it, and this latest donation will allow it to grow and help more people.

For the full story, see Thursday's Gazette