THE Gannett Foundation’s regional grants for 2013 have been announced with thousands of pounds going to charities.

Charities in Cheshire, Wirral and Trafford have all been successful with £10,000 awarded to the Autism Networks Resource Centre based in Crewe and Groundwork Cheshire has been granted £5,550 for a community garden in Northwich.

In Wirral, Friends of Hoylake and Meols in Bloom has been given £6,800 for an activity and adventure trail while Simply Cycling Trafford Wheelers in south Manchester is awarded £3,079 for a tandem for the disabled.

There was success elsewhere in the north west with Age UK in Blackburn awarded £1,180 for two motorised recliner chairs; Kendal Sea Cadets granted £2,200 for two new dinghies and South Lakes Carers are to receive £1,540 for therapy room equipment.

The trustees also made two general awards each of £10,000. One award went to Newstraid or ‘Old Ben’ the news retailers and distributors benevolent society. And the CEO’s award has been given for the charitable educational purposes of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, via the Rowntree Trust.

Gannett is the parent company of Newsquest, owner of the Runcorn and Widnes World.

Each year it supports charities that take a creative approach to fundamental issues, such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.