MP Harriett Baldwin has congratulated a Malvern charity which has scooped nearly £300,000 from the National Lottery.

The charity, Whatever Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful, provides a support service for local children with special needs.

The group was set up by Kim Philpotts in 2013 and it runs a support network for parents as well as offering care at its base on Howsell Road.

Since its formation, it has won a series of national awards including the lottery and one from BBC’s Children in Need.

Mrs Baldwin said: "I first met Kim when she was planning to start this journey and its been amazing to see her phenomenal success.

“I know that the resource is highly valued by local people and I chatted to parents about the work carried out to help them and their children.

“Kim is a highly driven and motivated person and I hope that the charity continues to grow and thrive.

“I’ve raised the issue of special autism provision in and around Malvern with Worcestershire County Council and there is clear feedback that we need to look at extending the offering in this part of the county. I will be feeding this back to the county’s chief executive next time we meet.”