TWO charities in Ellesmere Port have each received cheques for £586, thanks to the town's rotary club.

The Port Groceries and Passion for Learning were chosen as beneficiaries of the group's Charity Duck Race, held at the Holiday Inn Island on July 14.

Patron of Port Groceries and Rotarian Gordon Vickers said the cheques were in appreciation of the excellent work done by both charities and their contribution to the community of Ellesmere Port.

The presentation was also held on the day that the two charities launched their 'Fun and Food' drop-in sessions for children aged between five and 11 over the summer holiday.

The sessions, which include free meals and games, are open Monday to Friday at the Trinity Methodist Church in Ellesmere Port.

Parents who wish to take advantage of this excellent activity should contact Port Groceries, based at Trinity Church.

Port Groceries is a discount shopping club run, by director Rita Lewis, which collects more than six tonnes of food a week from supermarkets which is then sold on at a very low cost to people who need it.

In practical terms, people pay £4 a week and receive around £16 - 20 worth of food which consists of a range of frozen/ fresh meat, dried and canned food, plus fresh fruit and vegetables, along with other items.