RESIDENTS in Lymebourne Park have been handed a bench boost by Sidmouth Consolidated Charities.

The cause splashed around �100 on a new seat so tenants at council-owned homes, many of whom are elderly, can enjoy the outdoors.

Sidmouth Consolidated Charities leaders have invited more applications for cash help.

Administrator Ruth Rose said: “We provide grants for hardship cases of all sorts in the Sidmouth area, and try to pick up the pieces where social services don’t pay out, but there’s a good reason why somebody needs something.”

The charity recently paid out for a tumble dryer for the mother of a disabled child and also provide grants for educational purposes to help with travel expenses, books and computers.

Lymbourne Park residents made a request for the bench and were delighted with its purchase.

“It’s very good and will be used a lot,” said nearby resident Mary Dickson.

Sidmouth Consolidated Charities chairman Ann Liverton said: “This is what we do. We’re happy to give money to people who need it and this is a good cause.

Lymebourne and Arcot Park Residents Association chairman John Fowler added: “It’s great we can have another seat here, and great we have a charity like this which can add these things.”

Anyone wishing to make an application for a grant can apply in writing an send it to Ruth Rose at 22 Alexandria Road, Sidmouth, or e-mail ruth.rose@eclipse.co.uk.