A Mansfield charity set up by a former Mansfield mayor wants to help groups that provide holidays and educational and leisure activities for disadvantaged youngsters.

James Henry Blake established the James Henry Blake Charity over 120 years ago to support and enable disadvantaged youngsters, aged between five and 18 and living in the borough of Mansfield, to go on holidays.

Over the last couple of years the charity’s trustees have been unable to help fund holidays and approved educational and social experiences because schools and groups have been cautious about planning such activities.

Now the charity is offering to support organisations to arrange new and beneficial experiences to those who perhaps would not get the chance to take part otherwise.

In previous years it has supported schools, Scouting and Guiding groups, youth groups and individuals go to camps, residential visits and courses.

A spokesman said: “If you are planning approved and safe-guarded events in the coming year and the young people reside within the Mansfield District Council area, please contact us on [email protected] and tell us your plans. The charity may be able to make your group a donation.”

For more information on the charity, click here.