Two good causes in Cardiff – a theatre company and a dance group for people with Parkinson’s - have been handed cash donations from a leading housebuilder.

Hilltop Theatre Company in Pentyrch has received £500 from Persimmon East Wales to buy a new card reader, enabling the group to take payments more easily.

National Dance Company Wales, meanwhile, has pocketed £1,000 to help with the costs of running its dance classes online.

The donations are part of Persimmon Homes’ long-running Community Champions scheme, which sees the builder donate up to £1,000 each to two groups in each of its 31 operating areas.

Susan Gambarini, chair of Hilltop Theatre Company, said: “This money is a tremendous boost for our group. “We tend to perform three shows a year for the local community. This year we’ve been badly hit, first by the floods in February and then by Covid-19, which forced us to cancel all our planned productions.

“This money will help us to keep going and will allow us to buy a card reader machine in preparation for our return to the boards.” Rebecca Hobbs, of National Dance Company Wales, said: “National Dance Company Wales’ Dance for Parkinson’s programme usually take place in Cardiff and Blackwood.

“The weekly 90-minute classes promote feelings of freedom from the physical and social constraints of having Parkinson’s, whilst helping to temporarily relieve symptoms.

“Due to the pandemic, we’ve had to take our classes online and will need to fund the programme in this way until the spring. “This generous donation from Persimmon helps us on our way.”

Persimmon Homes gives away up to £744,000 a year through Community Champions.

Victoria Williams, sales director at Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: “Community Champions has allowed us to support dozens of good causes – and these are two very worthy winners.

“It’s wonderful to see the great work that both the theatre company and the dance group are doing in their respective areas. It’s the least we can do to lend a helping hand.”

Persimmon is currently selling stunning new-build homes at sites across South Wales, including at The Parish @ Llanilltern Village in Creigiau and St Edeyrns Village in Cardiff.

The on-site sales offices in Wales have now reopened and househunters can make consultation appointments by visit www.persimmonhomes.com or calling 02921 672 971.

Visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity to apply for Community Champions funding.