A DISABLED swimming group, who made pleas earlier this year when increased Leisure Centre fees threatened to push them under, have been given a boost in the form of a £1,000 grant - thanks to the Barry and District News.

Fundraising officer for Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Group Helen Lynch said the grant was "absolutely huge" for the club who are now keeping their heads above water financially.

The grant, from the Barry & District's parent company Gannet Co Inc, will be used towards paying for coach transport - transporting members to galas during swimming season, May to October.

Helen Lynch said: "It's something we really needed, it's fantastic.

"We told the members last weekend and they were absolutely delighted."

When management of Barry Leisure Centre was taken over Parkwood Community Leisure earlier this year, the Beavers - who have 70 members of all ages on their books, catering for people with a range of disabilities - found their fees doubled.

"The club was really struggling financially, we didn't know if we would survive the year" said Helen. "We're now holding our heads above water, staying afloat and moving on.

"The money will go towards coach hire, which is brilliant. It's going to be absolutely huge, £1,000 is so much to our club."

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, owner of Newsquest Media Group, which publishes regional and local newspapers, websites and magazines across the UK.

The Gannett Foundation provides funding to support local projects and organisations. In the last 10 years alone, the Gannett Foundation has made grants in the UK alone totalling more than £4million.