SUPPORTERS of a much-loved community hub are celebrating after being given a second major Covid-19 lottery grant in a matter of months.

The long-established Asian Elders Resource Centre, based in Northfield Street, Deane, has been given £51,900 by the government's coronavirus community support fund.

The cash booster has been handed out by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Shabeen Rehman, centre manager, said" This grant will enable us to sustain our services and to continue supporting the most vulnerable members from our BAME (black and minority ethnic) backgrounds.

"We have over 350 registered members and whilst this a difficult time for all of us, the elderly members have many other challenges to face.

"Hence, this funding will be very helpful for us to provide support for them".

"On behalf of everyone at the Centre, I am grateful that our work has been recognized by the funding bodies and would like to express heartfelt gratitude and a big thank-you for the support."

Earlier this year the same organisation, which has been running for more than 30 years, received £45,236 in the form of a coronavirus response grant, with the help of Bolton Council and Bolton CVS. This was to support outreach work to prevent people feeling isolated during the earlier months of the pandemic.