A COUNSELLING service in Worcester is celebrating after securing a £2,250 grant from the parent company of the Worcester News.

The Bridge Counselling Service, which has been based in The Angel Centre in Angel Place, Worcester, since August, has received the grant from the Gannett Foundation.

The independent charity offers counselling to anybody and about almost anything, except more specialist issues such as drug addiction or debt.

Mike Dutfield, a member of the charity's management committee, said he was thrilled with the news.

"We are all very excited and pleased that it's enabling us to continue the work without feeling that we are tapping into every last penny we have got," he said.

"It opens up all sorts of options to us.

"We don't charge our clients and that's really very important to us, because it means nobody is put off coming for counselling and help because of their ability to pay."

The charity, which was previously based in a one-room premises in Pump Street, Worcester, relies almost entirely on grants, donations and contributions from clients (but only if they can afford it), to pay for its basic annual running costs of £9,000.

Mr Dutfield added: "The move was important for us to get the flexibility to have more rooms.

"However, it's more costly because we now have three rooms and the rent is higher."

The money will be spent on new furniture to make the rooms more comfortable and equipment. Clients do not need to be referred by a doctor, they can phone up and book an appointment themselves.

The charity, which started in 2000, is also partnered with the Asha Women's Centre in Worcester and has another base in Droitwich.

Stewart Gilbert, editor of the Worcester News, handed over the cheque to the Bridge Counselling Service.

He said: "Once again the Gannett charitable foundation is supporting a very worthy community cause.

"I'm delighted to be able to hand over this cheque and I'm sure that this money will be very well spent."