A DAY centre for adults with learning disabilities will receive a new piece of kit thanks to the efforts of a bank's local branch.

Nationwide's Witney store raised £308 through a hamper raffle to help Guideposts Trust's Day Opportunities Service (GLAD), based on the town's Two Rivers Estate, buy its first dishwasher.

After learning that one of the day centre's service users banks at the branch, Nationwide decided to raise the money for the GLAD's team's kitchen.

Tim Hooper, Oxfordshire services coordinator said: “A dishwasher will help promote with the service users' independence and encourages the development of day to day life skills.”

Guideposts Trust aims to assist those affected by the challenges of caring, ageing, learning disabilities and mental health and has bases in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire.

The day service was established eight years ago in support of adults with learning disabilities living in and around Witney.

It runs from Monday to Friday and individuals can choose from a range of opportunities to ensure their weekdays are busy, enjoyable and productive.

Among the activities on offer are sports and fitness, photography, cooking and gardening.

All service users have a say in what activities are planned and have access to a minibus to help them get out and about.

The Trust is hoping the connection with Nationwide will reap rewards when some of its Oxfordshire team move to a space on Witney High Street in the coming months.

Kelly Gough, Oxfordshire community opportunities services manager, said: “We’re so grateful for Nationwide’s local support in raising awareness and much needed funds for our Oxfordshire services.”