THE funding manager of a Wirral charity helping children with cerebral palsy has described its grant from Wirral Globe's American-based owner as a 'much-needed' boost.

Stick'n'Step's £5,018 from the Gannett Foundation will pay for vital equipment used to provide conductive education for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Conductive education helps people with the condition manage symptoms and reduce its effects on their daily lives. This allows them to remain independent and to continue to be active members of the community.

The money was made available by an arm of Gannett Co Inc, the American publishers that own the Globe's parent company, Newsquest Mediagroup.

Stick'n'Step was the only Wirral charity successful in the latest round of Gannett Grant funding applications.

The charity's fundraiser Claire Ashworth said: "We are delighted to have been given this much-need boost.

"It's great that local business is supporting good causes such as Stick’n’Step.

“The will help us expand the services that we deliver in the local community to people with Parkinson’s Disease. It's a project which makes a real difference to the day-to-day lives of the people we work with.

“The project is having positive affects on the 15 people currently using the service and is helping improve their quality of life.”

Over the last 13 years, the Gannett Foundation has made grants in the UK totalling more than £4m.

Last year The Friends of Hoylake and Meols In Bloom community group received £6,800, which was used to help its team of dedicated volunteers create an activity and adventure trail at Queen’s Park in Hoylake. In 2012, two Wirral charities received a share of more than £15,000.

Age UK Wirral received £10,000 to furnish its new Meadowcroft Community Hub in Bromborough.

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

In 2011, West Kirby Disabled Swimming Club, which received £630 to help update its equipment.

In 2009, Wirral Autistic Society was awarded £25,600 for its "Home From Home Appeal".

The cash was used to pay for the furniture needed for the new six-bed respite centre at the society’s headquarters in Raby Hall, Raby Mere. The next round of funding will be announced early this year.