TWO Wirral charities are to receive a share of more than £15,000 from the Gannett Foundation.

Age UK Wirral has been awarded £10,000 which will be used to furnish its new Meadowcroft Community Hub in Bromborough.

Housed in a recently acquired building on Spital Road, the centre features a wide range of activities and services to help benefit the quality of life of older people and provide support for their families and carers.

The Barnstondale Centre’s grant of £5250 will be used to create a pathway, giving more than 800 disabled users better access to the surrounding woodland.

Myrtle Lacey, chief executive of Age UK Wirral told the Globe: "We're absolutely delighted, because it means we can get on with our refurbishment project."

Heidi Hughes, business director from the Barnstondale Centre said: "This money is a fantastic boost to our project and means we can now start work on the pathways, which we intend to do in the new year."

Situated in Barnston, the outdoor pursuits centre offers a range of team building and sports activities.

Heidi continued: "We have about 8,500 people who use the centre, around 850 to 1000 are disabled.

"The pathway will mean they will have better access to, and be able to enjoy, the facilities."

In total, 20 Wirral charities applied for a share of the latest round of Gannett Foundation cash, which was put up by an arm of Gannett Co Inc, the American publishing giant that owns the Globe's parent company, Newsquest Mediagroup.

The fund supports projects that take a creative approach to community needs from which a large number of people benefit.

Priority was given to projects of lasting benefit to the community, such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

Previous grant recipients include Wirral Autistic Society, which was awarded £25,600 for its "Home From Home Appeal".

The money was used to pay for furniture needed for the new six-bed respite centre at the society’s headquarters in Raby Hall, Raby Mere.

Last year West Kirby Disabled Swimming Club received £630, which was used to help the group update its equipment.