TWO Bournemouth charities are planning to expand their services and upgrade their equipment, thanks to funding from the Gannett Foundation.

The Crumbs Project, which helps vulnerable adults gain vital work skills and the Bournemouth Air Training Corps, which teaches youngsters basic flying skills, will both receive thousands of pounds of much-needed funding.

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, owner of Newsquest Media Group.

The company publishes the Daily Echo and other local newspapers, websites and magazines across the UK.

The Crumbs Project, which runs a small cafe and sandwich service from Crumbs Cafe in Boscombe, is receiving £7,123 to expand their services so they can deliver meals to an additional five residential care homes.

This will hopefully enable them to double the number of work opportunities they offer and significantly increase the number of paid positions available.

Founder Anne Gardner said: “We are absolutely delighted and the donation will make a huge difference as we are planning on buying more equipment and expanding the service.”

The Bournemouth (130) Squadron Air Training Corps is to receive £6,445 to replace an existing flight simulator used to teach cadets basic flying skills along with navigational and air traffic skills.

Chairman of the ATC Mark Anderson said: “The new flight simulator will give cadets the opportunity to take charge and hone their leadership and flying skills.

“We are absolutely over the moon because of the donation.”

Cadets can go camping and learn survival and team building skills, and can also take the opportunity to enjoy gliding, air experience flights and undertaken the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme.