A group supporting charities which improve healthcare in the community has awarded family charity Home-Start a £15,000 cheque.

For many years Friends of Royston and District Healthcare raised cash for the benefit of patients and staff at Royston Hospital. Following the closure of the inpatient facilities at the hospital in 2013, the Friends began to award grants to local charities involved in improving healthcare.

Home-Start chair of trustees Maureen Brierley said: “We are very grateful for the support of the Friends.

“This injection of funds will help to ensure we can continue our work with Royston families who are in need of extra support to help them through times of difficulty and crisis.

“Our trained volunteers visit families regularly and make a difference to parents and children.”