A West Suffolk charity has been named as one of the region’s Community Champions.

Our Special Friends, based in the village of Higham, was selected by Persimmon Homes Suffolk to receive £1,000 through the housebuilder’s funding scheme.

Ian Hamilton, director in charge for Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said: “Community Champions was set up to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where we are building.

“The scheme enables us to make two donations of up to £1,000 every month. We urge local charities and groups to apply by completing the online application form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity .“

Our Special Friends (OSF) was founded in 2012 to support local people who are struggling and where ownership of, or contact with, a pet is crucial to enable them to cope.

The aim of the charity is to improve health, welfare and social care through animal companionship for people who are experiencing times of vulnerability, such as social isolation, poor health or a crisis.

Over the past eight years, OSF has helped more than 1,300 cases, and Persimmon’s donation will enable to charity to continue its work when the current coronavirus restrictions prevent the usual fundraising activities.

Persimmon Homes Suffolk operates new homes developments across the region.