A GRANT of £9,000 has been given to the Vision Foundation in Ebbw Vale by Blaenau Gwent council.

The money is to go towards the charity's core costs for the next year. The Vision Foundation's aim is to help all visually impaired people to achieve their true potential, and the voluntary sector scheme grant will help the running of the resource centre.

The facilities are available to all visually impaired people in South-east Wales, especially Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Newport.

Fiona Perkins, fundraising officer, said: "This grant will make a real difference to our visually impaired clients and the Vision Foundation is hoping to host an open day later in the year for all who would like to see the good work we carry out."

For more information about the services the charity offers, telephone 01495 309500.