A HIGH Wycombe charity is cleaning up with the help of a grant from The Buckinghamshire Foundation.

The Foundation heard about The Hub's work with socially deprived people in the centre of High Wycombe and thought it was such a good cause that it presented the charity with a cheque for £610.

The gift covers the cost of a washing machine and tumble drier used at the twice-weekly drop-in centre for the poor and homeless.

Les Sheldon, director of the Foundation, said: "The charity's main priority is to support voluntary and community groups throughout the county whose work aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

"In 15 months we have already helped over 40 projects and the work of The Hub appealed to our primary objectives.

"The regular provision of a meeting place for the needy, with a facility to launder their clothes while they enjoy a meal, is helping to improve the quality of life within their community."

The Hub, which opened earlier this year, is a £1 million multi-functional centre forming part of the Union Baptist premises adjacent to the Easton Street car park in High Wycombe town centre.

Reverend John Roberts received the cheque at an informal ceremony on Wednesday.

He said that the new building was providing facilities that will help to meet the social and spiritual needs of all sections of the community.

The Buckinghamshire Foundation, which is based in Aylesbury and whose president is Sir Nigel Mobbs, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, welcomes applications from small community groups throughout the county.

Grants are usually in the region of £500, with the possibility of exceptional projects receiving up to £1,000.