A GRANT-giving foundation has given £10,000 to a local dance charity but bosses have warned more money is needed to sustain such a “worthwhile cause”.

The Jack Petchey Foundation funds programmes and projects benefiting young people aged 11 to 25 in London and Essex.

After applying for a cash grant last summer, Magpie Dance will be rewarded with a £10,000 cheque from the foundation later this month.

Magpie Dance, which helps support 150 dancers with learning disabilities each year, survives on hand-outs and receives no regular funding.

Grants officer at the Jack Petchey Foundation Jane Evans said: “When I first went to see Magpie’s sessions they were unique and impressive classes.

“I could see this was a fantastic opportunity to give these young people something special to do with their time.

“Magpie made an application for the grant in June last year but from my work in the community I already knew what a great job they were doing. Their reputation went before them.

“Jack Petchey helps people that help themselves, very much like Magpie. They try very hard to go out and find funding and have a very, very solid reputation.

“It is very important this worthwhile cause continues to find funding in the future.

“For the charity to keep running sessions without any regular funding is just remarkable.”

News Shopper is helping to raise £100,000 for Magpie, less than half of the £250,000 it needs each year to run over-subscribed dance sessions for people in south-east London and north Kent.

The Churchill Theatre in Bromley already provides Magpie Dance with free office space as a form of sponsorship.

Chief executive at the theatre Derek Nicholls said: "The work of Magpie Dance is brave and pioneering because it is rooted in the belief that theatre engages the abilities, personalities and talents of all of its member dancers in the creation of new art-forms.

“I am confident that being based in such an artistic environment helps Magpie grow creatively, and in turn the Churchill staff feel inspired by the company's work.”

HOW TO DONATE

Our Help Magpie Fly campaign is hoping to raise £100,000 to help Magpie Dance keep supporting 150 keen dancers with learning disabilities.

Every little helps and every penny raised will go to Magpie so the charity can continue its valuable community service.

Send your donations to Help Magpie Fly, News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT.

Cheques should be made payable to Magpie Dance.

If you want more details about the charity or want to volunteer call 020 8290 6633 or visit magpiedance.org.uk.