The Gannett Foundation has handed over £10,000 on behalf of two of their newspapers to victims of flooding in Somerset.
The Somerset County Gazette and Bridgwater Mercury have committed the cash to a special flood relief fund established by the Somerset Community Foundation.
The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Newsquest’s US based owners.
County Gazette editor Alex Cameron said: “Countless people have got in touch with our news teams asking what they can do to help people affected by the floods.
“The generosity of people in Somerset has been extraordinary so far, not just in terms of donations but in volunteers and neighbours pushing the limits of endurance to help each other in their time of need.
“Stories of people stricken by the floods carried in our pages and broadcast on TV and radio have touched the hearts of readers.”
So far, more than £200,000 has been donated to the fund including a £25,000 injection from Prince Charles’ Countryside Fund.
Justin Sargent, chief executive of the Somerset County Foundation praised the newspaper group for supporting the community.
“Money donated to this fund is already helping people who have had their lives turned upside down by this disaster and we know we can rely on the generosity of people in Somerset to continue making a difference.
“We know the effects will be felt for months to come so we need to build a fund that will be big enough to keep offering help.”
Both newspapers have dedicated eight pages to covering the impact of the floods on their local communities.
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