A GWENT charity for the blind which is being forced to pay thousands of pounds for CCTV cameras after being plagued by vandals is to receive a cash boost thanks to the Argus.

On Tuesday we reported how the Vision Foundation in Ebbw Vale has suffered a spate of attacks in recent months, and the charity has had to find £4,500 to buy and install security cameras.

Now it is to receive a welcome £5,000 boost in the latest wave of grants from our American parent company, Gannett, which owns Newsquest. The Gannett Foundation Fund supports youth projects across the country, focusing on those involving young people with special needs either through disability or disadvantage.

Fiona Perkins, fundraising manager from the Vision Foundation, said: "This money will enable us to take on more visually impaired children to the nursery and expand our services. It will make a great difference."

The Vision Foundation is one of three charities across Gwent to successfully apply for funding.

The Growing Space project, based at Tredegar House in Newport, will also receive a £5,000 grant.

Growing Space provides training and rehabilitation and work experience for adults with mental health problems.

Joy White, from Growing Space, said: "This money will make a tremendous difference to us. It will be used to replace equipment at the woodwork shop."

The third successful applicant is the Monmouthshire Crossroads Young Carers Project.

The scheme was launched in January 2002 and offers support to young people in Monmouthshire who have to look after or care for a family member. It currently offers support to 34 youngsters and has a further 17 on its waiting-list.

Marie Wright, from the project, said: "We are extremely pleased to be awarded a grant from the Gannett Foundation as these funds will enable us to continue supporting these valued young people."