THE Gazette has handed a grant for more than £2,500 to a Colchester charity which helps young people make the most of their lives.

Every year, charities are invited to apply for grants from the Gannett Foundation, run by the Gazette’s parent company.

It rewards charities which run projects of lasting benefit.

Catch 22, based on Colchester’s East Hill, successfully bid for £2,651 to create an area in its building to help young people develop their independence.

It will pay for a cooker, washing machine and tumble dryer, while soft chairs, a sofa, bean bags, kitchen equipment and garden benches are also on the shopping list.

Catch 22 is a branch of a national charity that works with young people who find themselves in difficult situations for a number of reasons.

Some are struggling to cope with school or family life, while others have just come out of prison and need help to get their lives back together to stop them re-offending.

Teresa Harmon, administration manager, said: “Working with those who have just come out of prison is just part of what we do.

“We run a number of different projects and community groups which help a wide range of youngsters.”

“The money will really help us to create an area where the young people who come here can be encouraged to get more independence.”