CHRISTMAS has come early for four good causes which are each set to receive £3,000.

Worcester-based Footprints, which provides free support for bereaved children, young people and their families, and Worcester Sea Cadets will benefit from the funding boost after coming top of an online survey by Lloyds Bank. In Malvern, Acorns Children’s Hospice and Acton Mill Care Farm will receive the same amount of money.

It comes from the Lloyds Bank Community Fund after residents were asked to vote for their most deserving good cause from a shortlist of four. “We will now be able to purchase memory boxes, cushions, worry dolls, arts and crafts materials for use in one-to-one and group workshops, along with books and resources for use with unlimited numbers of bereaved children over a long period,” said Sue Smith, the charity’s fund-raising manager.

It will also provide essential supplies to equip 10 new volunteers to work one-to-one. We have 14 volunteers who enable us to provide a highly cost-effective service.” The other groups were equally glad with the windfall. A statement from Suckley-based Acton Mill Care Farm, which offers rural learning opportunities and experiences for people of all ages and abilities, reads: “We are very grateful to the Lloyds Bank staff who originally nominated us and to all those who voted for us.

“Our social enterprise aims to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of people who are disabled or disadvantaged through active participation in farm life. “We can now buy a £3,000 poly-tunnel suitable for year-round horticultural activities to teach our students how to grow, prepare and eat fruit and vegetables to improve their health and wellbeing.”

In Worcester, the other two groups shortlisted, homeless group Maggs Day Centre and respite service New Hope Worcester CIC, each receive a grant of £300. In Malvern, the same amount goes to Brockhampton Pre-School and Friends of Malvern Community Hospital. Across the country more than 2.3 million votes were cast by the public for their favourite good cause.