ANDOVER VIPs said it was “ecstatic” to receive a grant of nearly £3,000 from this newspaper group this week.

On Tuesday, Advertiser staff presented a cheque for £2,920 to the Borden Gates charity.

Andover VIPs had applied to the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co. Inc, which is the parent company of this newspaper, in autumn 2016.

The group, which is run by visually impaired members assisted by a dedicated team of sighted volunteers, now plans to use the money to update its computer equipment to make it suitable for users.

The charity said in its application that it would like to continue to offer basic computer training either at the office or at members’ homes, so the money would be useful to help buy machines equipped with talking and enhancing software for the visually impaired.

There are more than 400 visually impaired people living in Andover and the surrounding villages.

Andover VIPs secretary Doreen Denton said: “This is fantastic news, wonderful.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this grant money, it’ll make a big difference.”

Chairman Pam Mutton and trustee Janet Mason also welcomed the news, and said they were “ecstatic and delighted” to secure the grant.

The Advertiser’s Mike Sims, who presented the cheque on Tuesday, said: “It’s my pleasure to be able to hand over this money to Andover VIPs, an organisation which does so much incredible work in our town.

“I hope the donation helps make a difference and enables the charity to continue helping dozens of visually impaired people in the Andover area.”

In the last 10 years, the Gannett Foundation has given away over £4m to support projects and organisations.

The Foundation values practical and creative projects that bring lasting benefits to communities and neighbourhoods.

Andover Foodbank was among the recipients of grant money in 2015/16, while Andover VIPs was also helped in 2008/09 when it was awarded about £5,000 to help with office equipment.