HAMPSHIRE charities have been awarded a share of £16,000 to help those most in need thanks to the votes from our readers.

Our parent company’s charitable arm, The Gannett Foundation, provided £128,000 in cash to support local charities across the country and we were delighted to have a £16,000 share to give away in our area. 

We asked you to decide where this money should be spent. You nominated in your thousands and our editorial team chose a shortlist of 10 charities from these nominations.

Now, those charities have found out how much they have won, thanks to votes cast by our readers.

Andover Foodbank has been awarded £1,292.60 which will fund children’s gift boxes and festive food hampers that the foodbank is giving out to those who are struggling financially this Christmas.

Foodbank manager Jenny LeLean said: “We would just like to say a really big thank you to those who voted, it is such a hard time of year and the money that we are getting means that we can get to more people.”

While Friends of Vigo Primary School, in Andover, has been given £336.73, to provide additional items for the pupils that are not included within the budget. This includes an outdoor slide for the playing field to be enjoyed by all year groups.

Homeless shelter Winchester Beacon received £423.63 which will likely be used for utility costs as bills continue to rise.

Marketing manager Nancy Judge said: “It means a lot to us. We accommodate 22 people every night and the cost of running a home has gone up as well as the demand for our services. So, to have this money is a big help and alleviates some of the financial difficulties brought with the cost-of-living crisis.”

A holiday retreat for children with life-limiting illnesses, Sophie’s Appeal, has been awarded £369.31. Sophie's Appeal, set up by Sophie's parents Lin and Mike Barringer from Eastleigh, has a holiday home at Rockley Park in Poole.

Jane Scarth House in Romsey has received a £1,911.74 boost via the scheme. 

Charity ambassador Sarah Rowcliffe said: “We're delighted and very grateful. At the moment counselling is in high demand and with this money we can provide additional sessions.”