THE Co-op Community Dividend Scheme for the Wales & Borders Region has stepped in to support Worcestershire charity Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) during its current funding crisis with an award of £500.

Competition for these awards is fierce and the adjudication panel was faced with a high quantity of deserving, quality applications and a limited level of finance.

Together with the other monies raised by public donation and event fundraising, PEAL can now continue operating until March.

By then, organisers hope to have received some successful results from the numerous grant-funding applications made to bodies who can provide the longer-term sustainable funding that is needed to save the service.

Support services manager Angela Gerrard said: "We are just so pleased to have survived this far and to be able to continue offering our support to families at this difficult time of year.

"We are all hoping for more good news in the new year that will ensure our service continues for as long as it is needed but in the meantime we are indebted to the Co-op for their support and recognition - it has been a fantastic morale booster for us."