TWO Oxfordshire charities have joined three other organisations across the South East to benefit from the latest round of Big Lottery Fund grants.

Style Acre, based in Crowmarsh Gifford, near Wallingford, received a £271,874 three-year grant to work with adults with learning disabilities in Banbury.

The money will be spent on improving services at the charity’s new Banbury base, due to open in May. The building in Butchers Row, formerly nightclub Le Royale, was purchased in January 2014.

Ms Stannard said: “It is a dream come true. We would have had to maintain a high level of community fundraising if not.”

At full capacity the unit will support 80 or 90 adults with learning disabilities.

Our top stories

Chief executive Kate Liddle said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding. We’re looking forward to working with employers in the area to find training and work opportunities for the people we will support. We are incredibly grateful to the people of Banbury for being supportive and look forward to developing closer relationships.”

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40 per cent of the money raised by the National Lottery, and invests more than £650 million a year in projects for health, education, environment and charitable purposes.

The other organisation to get the grant was Home-Start, based in Britannia Road, Banbury, which received £116,872. The charity promotes the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age, offering emotional and practical support to prevent family crisis.

Senior organiser Jane Skelton said: “We have been in receipt of a grant before and applied for a continuation fund. They’ve streamlined their system so you’re more likely to get through the second stage but you never know. We are thrilled.”

Home-Start is looking for volunteers. Call 01295 266358 or visit home-startbanbury.org.uk