A CHEQUE for £2,500 has been presented to DISH (Disability Information Service Huntingdonshire) based in Papworth Everard, by the Huntingdon Freemen s Society. The money will help continue to fund the service s information and advice service, family suppo

A CHEQUE for £2,500 has been presented to DISH (Disability Information Service Huntingdonshire) based in Papworth Everard, by the Huntingdon Freemen's Society.

The money will help continue to fund the service's information and advice service, family support project and welfare benefits project, which helps disabled residents in Huntingdon access services appropriate to their needs.

Huntingdon Freemen's Charity was established by the High Court in 1993 to administer the funds accumulated by the Freemen of Huntingdon since their formation in the Middle Ages. Income from investments managed by the charity produces over £300,000 a year for the benefit of the residents of Huntingdon.

Grants given by the charity range from small contributions to individuals to major contributions to projects such as the Papworth Trust's Saxongate development (£100,000 over three years), Macmillan Cancer Relief (£30,000 over three years) and youth project Natural High (£45,000 over three years).

The charity makes annual payments (currently £3,000) to each of the Huntingdon schools as well as supporting students with help towards their accommodation costs (£26,900 in 2006/7).

The charity is overseen by seven trustees including representatives of the county, district and town councils and the Freemen. They meet monthly to consider grant applications. Projects must benefit the people of Huntingdon.