A WIRRAL charity helping children with cerebral palsy has received a boost from the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund.

Wallasey-based Stick 'n' Step received a cheque for £3,000 from the fund's trustees during a visit. Among them are the Lord-Lieutenants of Merseyside.

Stick 'n' Step provides free conductive education and support services to 70 children and their families.

It receives no government funding and relies on the efforts of the community to cover its annual running cost of £350,000.

During their visit the Trustees were able to see the specialist facilities at the centre, which included the sage room, sensory room and main session areas.

They also spent time with children and staff, which gave them an insight into the positive experiences and specialist activities the centre provides for the children.

The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund is a charity set with the Queen's consent to help good causes within the Duchy boundaries, which benefit their local communities.

Stick 'n' Step was invited to apply for the grant which was then approved by the Merseyside Major Grants Committee.

Dame Lorna Muirhead said: "The service Stick ‘n’ Step provides for children with cerebral palsy and their families is remarkable.

"I always enjoy visiting the centre and spending time with the children and staff. Stick 'n' Step works hard to provide such positive experiences for everyone who attends and the benefits are far reaching."

Sarah Smithson, operations manager for the charity, said: "We are very grateful for the grant given to us by the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund and delighted to welcome trustee members here at the centre to show how the money donated will help.

"The staff and children thoroughly enjoyed the visit and it is great to be recognised for the life changing work our staff are doing every day for children with cerebral palsy and their families.”