BOURNEMOUTH based catering charity Crumbs are to receive a £1,000 donation, thanks to a nomination by MP for Bournemouth West Conor Burns.

The charity which supports individuals to equip them with life skills in hospitality, will receive the funding from trade body Bacta, which represents seaside arcades, piers and related attractions.

MP Connor Burns said: “Crumbs is a fantastic local charity that provides a specialist training and support platform for local vulnerable adults – providing vital structure and support in their lives.

“Because of the pandemic, the demand for their catering services has plummeted, and the charity has been forced to cut itself off from its community – many of whom are forced to shield during the pandemic.

“I’m delighted that Bacta has chosen to make a donation to it that will help sustain it through this pandemic and beyond, ready to play a role in supporting the community at a time when it is needed more than ever.”

Bacta launched its Siding With the Seaside campaign last year in order to support the seaside communities served by their members and to highlight the lack of government investment that threatens the precious heritage in many seaside towns.

The trade body’s CEO John White said: “The situation was already serious for many seaside towns whose communities have suffered through lack of employment and local investment.

“However, when we went into lockdown just before the Easter holidays, the position became far more serious as local businesses were forced to shut and the seasonal trade, which is so vital, was lost.

“Our members made a total of £23,000 available to give to seaside charities via the MPs who we have got to know through our seaside campaigning work and who are best placed to know who would benefit most.”