THEY have been providing vital support to young people for more than 30 years.

And now The Rainbow Project has won a year’s support from a PR company.

The Southampton-based charity that supports disadvantaged and vulnerable youngsters in and around the city, won the Leepeckgroup Christmas competition.

They went head to head with seven other charities in the race to clock up the most votes and win a £200 donation and a year’s support to help them raise awareness and boost funds.

The prize money will help The Rainbow Project provide tools and equipment to help maximise the success for youngsters using their Life Chances supported employment placement service.

Charity project manager Laura Coleman said: “We are a very small, local, young people’s charity and an opportunity to receive PR from such a reputable company is invaluable to us and not something we would ordinarily have the privilege of.

“We think it is fantastic that a local company took the time and trouble to promote local charities and that Rainbow was selected for this campaign – it’s a brilliant idea and makes a real difference to the local community. Thank you to Leepeckgroup and to everyone who voted for us.”

Log on to the Rainbow Project at therainbowproject.co.uk.