COUNSELLING charity The Magdalene Project has been presented with a cheque for £3,334.76 by supermarket the Co-op.

The independent counselling service, based in Irwell Terrace, Bacup, received the money from the Co-op Community Fund to provide a lift to enable disabled access to clients in their new counselling offices in Nelson.

The Magdalene Project co-founder, Irene Alderson, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of Waterfoot and Haslingden Co-ops in helping us provide counselling to those with additional needs in the community who are dealing with great trauma and hopelessness.

"We are currently overrun with referrals, people desperate for our help so this money is so welcome. We would like to thank the Co-op for all their support and help.”

The project has been running for 20 years and was set up in recognition of needs in society and gives a professional and confidential service to all in need of help. It deals with a wide range of issues, specialising in abuse and trauma.

It is funded mainly by donations and grants, and recently won a Children in Need bid which runs for three years. Visit themagdaleneproject.co.uk