A HAMPSHIRE charity can now take disadvantaged youngsters on a camping trip thanks to a cash boost from the Daily Echo’s parent company.

Street Reach in Winchester has been supporting young disadvantaged people through weekly outreach sessions since 1983.

The charity is now set to go on a three-day residential camping trip this summer at Fairthorne Manor, Botley, thanks to £5,740 from The Gannett Foundation, which is run Gannett, owners of Echo publishers Newsquest.

Ben Martin, project manager of Street Reach said: “The camping trip is the highlight of our year but we cannot do it without the funding. We were so pleased when we found out we had received the grant.

“Giving young people opportunities and guidance is central to what we do.”

Stella Bowling, the project administrator and fundraiser added: “It’s great we have got the money for the trip. It’s a very rewarding job as you get to see their confidence grow.”

Street Reach currently has nine part time youth workers. They go out on the streets with rucksacks, hot chocolates, games and try and reach out to young people. Ben said: The charity also runs other projects including a football session each Friday at Henry Beaufort School.

Simon Westrop, chairman of the trustees for the Gannett Foundation, said: “Amid all the political and economic turmoil, real life goes on of course.

“And it is a privilege for the trustees to be able to do a little something to help where we can.”Applications to apply for next years grant can be made through applying to the Daily Echo. Residents can submit applications from July and a notice will be given in the paper and online.