A GRANT scheme to help families with bills and repairs during the coronavirus pandemic has been extended.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Covid Winter Grant Scheme will now run through to April 16.

It is aimed at supporting families and children and other vulnerable adults to access food, support with utility bills and other essentials to help keep them warm and fed.

The programme is primarily for families with children under 19 who may not meet the threshold for benefits but have been affected directly by the pandemic through job losses, furlough, taking time off work unpaid to care for children who are isolating, or are eligible for free school meals, healthy start vouchers.

It also supports young people not in education or training and provides help with fuel and water bills.

Help is available to replace essential items including broken washers, cookers, fridges and freezers, for boiler servicing and repairs, and where families are struggling to afford essential toiletries, sanitary products, warm clothing and blankets.

Worried residents should contact the Blackburn with Darwen Help Hub.