A CHEESE-backed charity has given more than £30,000 to good causes.

The Kavli Trust, which redistributes profits from the Primula Cheese business, has donated £33,650 to four North-East organisations.

The largest, £13,650, went to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham City, and was used to buy a vehicle to transport passengers to and from the Merryoaks facility.

Day patient Audrey Dowager said: “I look forward to my visit to St Cuthbert’s every Tuesday.

“Without the volunteers who bring me in and take me home, I’d be stuck in the house.

“The new car is fantastic and we all feel like we are travelling in style.”

The Bubble Foundation, which works with babies born without an immune system, got £10,000 to buy iPads, laptops and games for children in protective bubbles.

Fighting Against Cancers Together (Fact) was given £5,000 to refurbish its Gateshead cancer support centre.

Keyfund got £5,000 to engage with young people across Gateshead and help them “unlock their own potential”.

Claire Parker, product manager at Kavli, said: “I feel so privileged to be able to support local good causes in this way.

“We have worked closely with each organisation over the past few months and we know that our grants are going to be very well spent.

“It feels good to know that through these specially chosen charities we will be able to help so many people, and their families, across the North-East.”