Two East Lancashire charities have received a £1,000 Christmas gift thanks to the Benefact Group.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, based in Haslingden, and The East Lancashire Hospice were among six charities across the county to win a share of £120,000 having been nominated as part of the group’s 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

Almost 14,000 votes were cast by Lancashire residents helping to spread festive cheer for the charities this Christmas.

Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said: “We are thrilled to be giving £120,000 to 120 fantastic charitable causes across the country and I’d like to thank every single Lancashire resident that took the time to nominate a charity close to their hearts.

“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

“Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest.

"Owned by a charity, Benefact Trust, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.”