A SOUTHAMPTON charity has been awarded £10k to help the most vulnerable in the city affected by coronavirus.

City Life Church, one of the host sites for the city’s food banks, has been awarded a vital grant of £10,000.

The grant was awarded as part of the Martin Lewis Coronavirus Fund where Martin Lewis will be donating £1 million to charities across the UK specifically working on coronavirus-relief projects.

The journalist and founder of MoneySavingExpert.com said that examples of projects could include foodbanks, charities engaged in community aid, and those offering financial advice help.

In his blog, Martin said: "I'm delighted to have just approved 49 new donations, worth £488,000, to local poverty relief charities across the UK.

"So far, we've distributed £1.16m to 122 small charities and community action groups.

"Many are foodbanks, plus projects for direct intervention and help by the likes of local community centres, small football teams, churches, mosques, Jewish groups, women's groups, industry help, across all four UK nations.

"Our criteria, and assessments, include that the vast majority of the cash should go to direct poverty relief, not admin costs."

Paul Woodman from City Life Church, said: "We are extremely grateful to have been awarded an amazing £10,000 from the Martin Lewis Corona Fund.

"We are very aware of the hardship caused by this pandemic and we’re going to use this funds to support the city’s foodbank and to help people who had been sleeping rough and are now in basic bed and breakfast accommodation."

City Life Church is a Christian-run charity that aims to support their local communities and projects.

City Life Church runs a "basics bank" in Swaything which provides food and essentials to families and individuals who have fall on hard times and may not be able to afford basics.

The bank is open every Thursday from 10am to 3pm and can be found on Burgess Road.

Councillor Satvir Kaur said: ‘‘I’m delighted to hear that this grant has been provided to help those severely affected by the coronavirus.

"The amazing work of local community groups and charities, like City Life Church, as well as the generosity of local businesses is helping our combined effort to protect the most vulnerable."

Royston Smith MP for Southampton Itchen said: “This is a very important and welcome grant and I would like to thank the City Life Church for securing it.

"At this most difficult time it is those who already have the least who will suffer the most.

"I know that this grant will be put to immediate use looking after some of our most vulnerable residents at a time of great need.”