PARKGATE-based Oliver Valves has extended its support of Wood Street Mission, providing the charity with a new van to allow it to collect and deliver vital services in Manchester and Salford.

The charity, which has a long-standing relationship with Oliver Valves, works with thousands of families, offering free clothing, bedding and baby equipment along with toys and food at Christmas and Easter.

The new van replaces a vehicle which came into service in 2011, and has since clocked up thousands of miles supporting families across Greater Manchester.

Oliver Valves chairman Michael Oliver said: “Wood Street Mission provides an invaluable service to vulnerable families, delivering vital supplies, such as food.

“Without a reliable van, staff would not be able to collect the generous donations from people and businesses in the region.

“We are proud to have supported what is a brilliant local charity for a number of years, and we’re pleased that our donations will help ensure Wood Street Mission’s inspiring work continues for many years to come.”

Jan O’Connor, manager of Wood Street Mission, said: “It’s fantastic news that Oliver Valves is continuing its relationship with the charity and support for our work to improve the lives of families across Manchester and Salford.

“The new van will mean we can get to anyone who wants to donate items to Wood Street Mission and the people we help every day of the year.”

Wood Street Mission was founded in 1869 by Alfred Alsop with a vision of improving the lives of residents living in squalid conditions in Victorian Manchester. It opened in Wood Street in 1873 and has remained on the site ever since.

Oliver Valves is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of subsea valves for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.