THE largest employer in Royston has invested over �17,000 back into the local community.

Johnson Matthey, the multi-national chemical research company based Orchard Road, has given seven local organisations a share of the money as part of its annual Community Donations Fund.

John Gourd, Site Planning and Services Director at Johnson Matthey said: “We are very proud of the work we do with the local community, not just in terms of the larger donations such as these, but also of the many smaller donations we make throughout the year.

“As the largest local employer, the company has an important role to play in the local community and we take this responsibility seriously.”

The seven lucky organisations are Royston Twinning Association, Royston Tennis Club, Royston Day Care Centre, Home-Start Royston and South Cambs, Garden House Hospice, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and The Sick Children’s Trust.

They were awarded with their money at a specially organised lunch at the JM plant on May 5.

Adrian Jones, the chairman of the Royston Town Twinning Association said: “As we traditionally pay for the trips of our guests, this donation will help pay towards our visit of the people from La Loupe, which we hope will prove to make the 25th anniversary of our link with them very memorable.”

Christine Knight, club secretary of Royston Tennis Club said: “Johnson Matthey’s award is gratefully welcomed by Royston Tennis Club and is being used to help with the junior development within the club.”

Barbara Blower, scheme manager for Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire said: “We are very grateful to Johnson Matthey for their donation which has enabled us to continue to support a family where both the parents and child have physical and mental health difficulties.”