Homeless people and those fighting drug and drink issues will been given a helping hand thanks to a £250,000 hand out from a Burton charity group.

A total of £254,432 has been given by the Consolidated Charity of Burton to be shared between six groups, which had applied via its emergency relief fund.

It will go to groups including Burton Churches and YMCA winter night shelter scheme and a drug and alcohol addiction service in the town.

Consolidated Charity chairman Ben Robinson said: "We are delighted to be able to support six very important groups and enable them to continue the work they do which has a significant impact on the community."

One of the other beneficiaries will be Eagle's Nest, a group which helps support young people from dysfunctional backgrounds and develop their passion into opportunities.

Jan Appleton, founding director of Eagle's Nest said: "We have seen rapid growth in the demand for our service since we were established in 2014 and are passionate about ensuring the quality of what we do remains high as we extend the number of young people we are able to support.

"This grant will enable us to focus on developing a strong team in order to support our young people to move towards a brighter future."

Burton Churches and the YMCA, which helps the homeless in Burton, have also been given a part of the money.

The two groups come together each year to run a winter night shelter initiative, in order to provide a warm and safe place for those in need across the coldest months of the year.

Eagle's Nest prides itself on offering alternative provision to help the youngsters engage with learning

Chairman of Burton Churches, Daryl Williams said last year's night shelter helped 95 people in need and was staffed by more than 130 volunteers.

Mr Williams said: "It is very reassuring to know that we will be able to open again this winter and make a real difference to lives in this community."

Burton Caribbean Association, will also get cash to provide English lessons and lunches.

Association chairman Trevor Wright said: "I would like to highlight the importance this grant will have not only for Burton Caribbean Association but for the whole community.

"It will allow us to organise and promote events for the whole community, build interest and develop links. We hope these will result in new projects that respond to local needs."

The Burton Addiction Centre and O'Connor Gateway Trust helps those suffering with drug and alcohol problems by running rehab programmes to get hem of drink and drugs.

A chunk of the money has gone towards the charity's Recovery Is Out There (RIOT) programme which aims to inform those going through addiction that recovery is possible, by encouraging people to share their experiences.

Noreen Oliver set up the Burton Addiction Centre to help get those struggling off of the streets

Director and MBE holder Noreen Oliver said: "This will ensure that people facing drug and alcohol addiction in Burton receive the support they need to access residential rehabilitation through the Burton Addiction Centre and other drug and alcohol services locally."

Citizens Advice Mid Staffordshire is a branch of the nationwide support charity based in Anson Court, Burton. It offers face-to-face advice and support to people, including those with financial troubles.

Chief executive Dawn Green was delighted at the boost. She said: "We will utilise the funds to support local families and individuals with their advice needs to prevent repossessions and homelessness, to maximise income and increase benefit take up."

Finally, Age UK will using the funding to pay for a befriending scheme for the elderly in East Staffordshire.

The registered charity aims to make the country a better place for people to grow old in.

Donna Cowell, befriending co-ordinator at Age UK, said: "We would like to thank the Consolidated Charity for its continued support of this wonderful service which provides friendships and support for many isolated and lonely people within our communities in East Staffordshire."

The befriending service revolves around offering one-to-one meetings and group sessions for those unable to leave their homes.

The Consolidated Charity is run by a group of volunteer trustees, and anyone hoping to apply for a grant or wish to find out more on the scheme can visit www.consolidatedcharityburton.org.uk.