The founder of Bury Tandem Club for Blind and Partially Sighted People has expressed his gratitude to the Tottington Spar shop after receiving a £2,000 grant.

Derek Pritchard, who founded the club 38 years ago, stated how the money will be used for the maintenance of the tandem bikes and to strengthen the club.

He said: “We’re very happy to have received £2,000 from Spar and our local store in Tottington where we applied for the grant is just around the corner from our workshop.

“The club is truly valued by its members who enjoy riding to keep fit for their physical and mental health.

"Some live alone and really struggle to get out and about, so a Sunday ride with one of our volunteers really is a lifeline.”

Spar awarded the money through their community cashback scheme, with the aim to provide funding to voluntary or community organisations and charities that need it most.

The North of England saw almost 1,300 applications for funding and the chance to win one of six prizes ranging from £10,000 down to £1,000.

Tom Murphy, marketing manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for Northern England, said: “We know many small charities have struggled for vital funding throughout the pandemic, and when judging the applications, Bury Tandem Club for Blind and Partially Sighted People really pulled on the heartstrings.

"We’re more than happy to support this deserving cause.”

The grant will allow Bury Tandem Club for Blind and Partially Sighted People to gear up and continue allowing visually impaired people to enjoy the sport they love.