David Rutley MP paid a visit to Bollington's Bridgend Centre to find out more about the work done for residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

The centre's shop is currently open to enable the charity to raise funds to carry on providing its much-valued activities.

Residents have actively used the shop and the charity has also been able to sell goods on eBay to help raise funds.

Virtual meetings are being held with those who use the services provided by the Bridgend Centre as well as a weekly 'Bridging Social Isolation' newsletter has been circulated for over 20 weeks.

The regular programme of walks organised by the charity is planned to restart later in September, although there will be a lower limit of eight participants in each group.

When social distancing regulations permit, it is hoped that activities will be able to be held in person at the Centre.

The Bridgend Centre team are planning further fundraising activities following the successful Virtual Bollington Nostalgia Hill Race.

The event, which took place from 28 June to 12 July, asked runners to record their 10 km run on a GPS app or take a picture of their treadmill statistics and then send it to the organisers at the Bridgend Centre. Participants raised over £2,000.

As Patron of the charity, Mr Rutley toured the facilities, including a review of the new roof that was completed earlier in the year, following a substantial investment.

Centre manager, Rebecca Lea, also set out future plans for the first-floor rooms to be used to support the charity's activities.

Following the visit Mr Rutley said: "I was pleased to visit the Bridgend Centre once again and see first-hand the important work the team is continuing to do in challenging circumstances on behalf of local Bollington residents.

"I would encourage local people to go on supporting the Bridgend Centre by either donating items or visiting the shop. As Patron, I will continue to do all I can to support Rebecca and the Bridgend Centre Team in achieving their vital and ambitious plans for the future."

Donations of items can be made with an appointment, with a limit of four bags and appointments can be booked on the Bridgend Centre website.