Learning disability charity FitzRoy of Hylton Road in Petersfield has been awarded a much-needed grant of more than £225,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to continue to run its Love4Life friendship and dating project for people with learning disabilities and autism in Hampshire.

Love4Life currently has 130 members who meet up, make friends, experience new activities, and even fall in love.

FitzRoy relies on fundraising to keep it running, and thanks to the lottery grant, the project is now secure for three years.

Love4Life manager Hayley Ostler-Noland said: “The impact of coronavirus and lockdown has reinforced how vital Love4Life is. This funding really is a lifeline.”