A £6,000 grant has helped members of a partially-sighted club see more clearly.

The generous gift from Gordon's Gin, in Fenton Way, Laindon, has given the Pathfinders club in Vange a welcome new year boost.

The packaging and bottling plant, set to close in the autumn, recently set up a regeneration team to look at projects which could benefit from charity funding by its parent company United Distillers and Vintners.

When the team heard of the Pathfinders' desperate need for a large print monitor and talking computer to help members become more independent they were keen to step in.

Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith presented members with the new equipment at the Riverview 90 Centre in Vange.

Pathfinders' treasurer Amy Dowd said: "This kind gesture is out of this world.

"Now, thanks to the UDV team, our 25 members have access to Rainbow Aladdin closed circuit TV equipment with reading equipment and a talking computer.

"The equipment means more independence for our members.

"Those who are partially sighted can now read clearly with the use of the large print monitor."

UDV printer and regeneration team member Graham Ryland said: "This is the first major funding project which the regeneration team has been involved in.

"The funding is for the good of the community. The Pathfinders club is a truly worthy cause." Mrs Smith said the equipment would make a real difference to the group.

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