A vital workplace-style centre for disabled people has just had a £2,116 boost from Barclays Bank plus an extra £300 cash injection.

In the money - members of BOPH receive cheques from Barclays' Roy Dyos and Julie Spurgeon and councillor Terry Blackwell Picture: ROB BROWNE

Joan Lythgoe, who chairs the organisation Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped, BOPH, based at Charfleets Industrial Estate, Canvey, was thrilled by the donation.

She said: "Twenty two members of the Barclays Bank Local Business Team held a race night, raffle and auction and raised the fantastic amount of £1,058. This has been matched by Barclays, making an overwhelming total of £2,116."

BOPH, which is not state-funded, relies heavily on fundraising and will use the money to help it keep providing 20 disabled people with a stable work-type environment.

Councillor Terry Blackwell also donated £300 to BOPH - the proceeds of a rise in councillors' allowances, which he did not want to take.

Published Friday March 5, 2004

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