A LYE children’s charity fighting to fill a funding gap left by public spending cuts is celebrating a cash boost.

The KIDS Orchard Centre, on Lye Bypass, collected £27,000 from the National Independent Supermarket Association (NISA).

Stourbridge MP Margot James, handed over a cheque for £27,000 during a visit to the centre on January 21.

Ms James said: “I was really delighted to be invited to the Orchard Centre in Lye, and I would like to pay tribute to NISA who through their membership across the Midlands – including their members in Lye – have raised £27,000, which is a huge achievement.”

Gayle Kirkwood, KIDS fundraising and marketing coordinator, said: “The money raised by the committee will help enormously to support the essential services we provide to families caring for a disabled child across the West Midlands.

“We cannot thank the retailers enough for their support and generosity – without them we would not have been able to start this important work.”

KIDS is a national charity which provides support for disabled youngsters and their families.

Their branch in Lye suffered a blow last year after learning they were to lose around £100,000 per year as the spending squeeze takes hold.