A CHARITY which provides bereavement support for children and young people took out a special accolade at the recent Platinum Business Awards, organised by Malvern Hills District Council.

Noah's Ark Trust, set up four years ago, was the winner of the Chairman's Special Award, presented to businesses which place a particular emphasis on the communities they serve.

Originally operating out of offices in Earls Croome, the charity has grown so much it recently moved to College Precincts, Worcester.

"This is the first time we have entered and can hardly believe that we beat more than 60 other businesses for this award," said Sue Smith, administration and funding manager for Noah's Ark.

"We have only been established four years and since then have seen considerable growth especially in the past nine months."

Noah's Ark was presented with a plaque and a cheque for £250 by MHDC chairman, Barbara Williams.

"We need £120,000 a year to finance the charity, so this cheque is going to help with our running costs," said Mrs Smith.

"We are lucky as we have dedicated volunteers who help out, but we always need extra funding."

The charity now has three paid employees and 50 trained volunteers.

A grief support programme for families includes a residential weekend at Malvern Hills Outdoor Centre.

Mrs Smith said referrals from schools, GPs, health visitors, and youth officers were increasing as the valuable benefits of the service became more known.

The trust's next big fund-raising event will be a Golden Jubilee Ball planned for the summer.