A FOUNDATION based in York has handed a £50,000 cash boost to a mental health charity, after colleagues voted it to be the charity of the year.

The Pavers Foundation chose Shout 85258, which provides a messaging service for anyone in the UK and Ireland who needs mental health support, as their charity of the year.

Mark Granger, chairman of the foundation, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the incredible work Shout 85258 does in making a difference to so many people.

"I think it is poignant that at such a difficult time for mental health across the globe, our colleagues have chosen this charity to support."

The Shout charity, which is the first service from charity Mental Health Innovations, offers help with issues including depression, anxiety, abuse.

Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be partnered with the Pavers Foundation and are so grateful for their support."

The funds donated will go towards training Shout volunteers to offer support.

The Pavers charity of the year initiative, which is part of the foundation’s activities, involved colleagues in head office and across the Pavers, Jones Bootmaker and Herring shoe stores voting for their favourite charity from a shortlist of four.

Wishing to show support to its three runner-up charities, the foundation donated £2,500 each to Shelter, Children with Cancer and The Brain Tumour Charity.