A CHARITY which provides valuable support to visually impaired people has been given a £10,000 cash injection.

West Cumbria Society for the Blind, based on Lowther Street in Whitehaven, has been awarded the money from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The society has received a million pounds from the fund over the last 25 years.

The latest funding will be used to support at least 130 housebound visually impaired people to help alleviate loneliness and isolation, and promote independence. It will also support groups for visually impaired people across the area.

Marie Scott, chair of the society, said: “Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund we can continue to support visually impaired people throughout West Cumbria.

“West Cumbria Society for the Blind would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund and most of all would like to thank players of The National Lottery who make it all possible.”

The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes, is the largest community funder in the UK.

It gives more than £500 million to charities, community and voluntary groups each year.

West Cumbria Society for the Blind provides services to people across Copeland and Allerdale. These include a resource centre which stocks specialist living equipment and safety equipment; a home support service for support workers to visit people who are housebound; a telephone befriending service, as well as social groups and outings.