Two Preston groups have scooped £1,000 of community funding each from our Lancashire region.

Preston North End Women’s FC and UK German Shepherd Rescue were selected to receive the donations through the Community Champions scheme.

Diane Finch, sales director at Lancashire, said: “At a time like this, when voluntary groups, sports clubs and charities are not able to hold their usual fundraising events, we are proud to help worthy local causes. We are always keen to support clubs like PNE Women, that encourage healthy, active lifestyles – and we were amazed to learn that the region is home to a small registered charity that rescues and re-homes German Shepherd dogs throughout the UK.”

Preston North End Women’s FC are a newly established squad, trying to raise money for new football kits and equipment. Like many teams, Covid-19 has disrupted training and fundraising activity, so Persimmon’s donation will give the club a huge team building boost.

Based at Elswick Kennels, the UK German Shepherd Rescue promotes responsible ownership of this often-misunderstood breed and secures safe adoption homes for rescued dogs. The charity is currently fundraising to buy a replacement vehicle to safely collect and carry dogs in need of re-homing.

Persimmon Lancashire makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month. The match-funding initiative seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building and the online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.