THE future of a charity that provides vital support for people with learning difficulties has been secured by a major cash injection.

Chopsticks community gardening scheme, based in Northallerton, is planning to buy a new van to improve its service throughout the town and the surrounding villages.

The vehicle will be financed by a grant from Help the Aged's SeniorMobility campaign.

Bosses at Chopsticks said the van was urgently needed to transport equipment and staff around the area to the homes of elderly people and to continue the scheme's visits to an average of 30 houses every week.

The charity provides work activities for people with learning difficulties and carries out gardening work in the homes of local elderly people.

The gardening scheme, which is part-funded by North Yorkshire County Council, is the only one of its kind to reach pensioners living in the rural villages around Northallerton.

Colin Walker, development manager of Chopsticks, said: "We are very pleased that Help the Aged has provided us with the means to purchase this new vehicle.

"We rely on our van to reach the older people living in the rural areas of North Yorkshire and to bring them increased health and social benefits by improving their living environment and helping them stay in their own homes without having to worry about keeping the garden maintained."

Graham Lale, the SeniorMobility's campaign manager, added: "We are delighted to be able to help Chopsticks with the purchase of this new vehicle."

The SeniorMobility campaign aids community projects throughout the country with their transport needs by offering grants and fund-raising advice.

Any local projects interested in applying for grant aid should contact Mr Lale on (0207) 239 1825.