CHARITIES in Enfield have profited from donations from the Lloyds TSB Foundation.

The group has given almost £350,000 to London charities.

The Enfield Turkish Cypriot Association received £2,650 to invest in equipment for a new youth service.

ETCA's funding advisor, Jan Ismail said: "A bilingual advice service will be made available for children and the young up to the age of 25. It'll help those with learning difficulties and disabilities and those having problems socially adjusting."

St Mary Magdalene, in Ridgeway, was the borough's other charity to gain a handout. It accepted a grant of £1,000 from the trust, to purchase new computers for its open access centre project.

The project involves giving lessons in basic computer skills. The courses are open to all, but specialise in helping the young, disadvantaged, disabled and long-term unemployed.

The Reverend John Semford, who runs the course, was delighted. He said: "The foundation's continuous support, with the work of the Prince's Trust and Enfield charities has meant our computers are now state of the art."

John Aldridge, the foundation's Greater London co-ordinator, praised the area's voluntary groups. He said: "I hope these grants will be an extra reason to celebrate this Christmas.''

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