A PENSIONS and investment firm has backed an Isle of Wight charity helping others through the coronavirus pandemic.

NFU Mutual has donated £3,000 of a £1million fund to WightAID as part of an initiative to make sure funding reaches charities in all parts of the UK.

The funding will allow WightAID to continue providing support to frontline charities and groups around the Island.

John Heather, senior agent, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on everybody, including our customers and their local communities.

"WightAID is making a wonderful difference to our community in these challenging times, and we are proud to nominate this local charity to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Geoff Underwood, founder and chairman of WightAID, said: “During this current crisis, our immediate aim is to make sure that no family goes without food over the next few months.

"As time goes on, our focus will then move to Mental Health, Social Isolation, and bereavement and we will be ensuring that this kind donation will be going to local charities that support those aims.

"We are delighted and truly grateful to NFU Mutual for their generous donation, which will go a long way to supporting those in the most need within our community at this difficult time.”