Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund has soared to more than £4 million of donations to community projects and local charities.

Some 19 organisations in Cheshire and Greater Manchester have benefitted from the latest round of grants.

The fund was set up in 1997 to give the airport a way of giving back to the community.

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It is managed by a committee of trustees from the area alongside representatives from the airport.

Manchester Airport pays £100,000 per year into the fund, with additional money provided by other partners.

Groups from Cheshire East and Cheshire West can bid for up to £3,000 for initiatives with a clear and lasting community benefit. Applications are reviewed by the trustees.

The Time Out Group in Handforth has been awarded £1,598 towards furnishing its activity centre.

The charity supports adults with autism and learning disabilities.

Time Out Group’s deputy charity manager, Anne-Louise Black, said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will pay for improvements to the facilities on offer in our activity centre.

“Having extra capacity will allow us to provide more people with opportunities to help them improve their confidence, independence, health and wellbeing and to provide support and respite for their family, parents and carers.”

Top & Tail Productions, an independent film producer offering free training in film making and acting to Wythenshawe residents received £1,500.

This year, it is producing Silver Screen Dreams, a new comedy drama feature film about hope and community.

Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport, said: “Manchester Airport isn’t just the UK’s global gateway in the North, we’re a part of the community here in South Manchester and Cheshire and it’s really important that we’re able to give something back.

“The Community Trust Fund means our neighbours are able to benefit from the airport and share in its successes.

“Its longevity symbolises the strength of our commitment to the area and we are thrilled to have now passed £4 million of donations.”

The deadline for applications to be considered in the next round is Saturday, June 3.

For further details and an application form visit manchesterairport.co.uk/community/working-in-our-community/community-trust-fund/