A Kingston charity supporting victims of crime received a cash boost to buy a much-needed photocopier from The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the Surrey Comet's owners, Gannett.

The Kingston branch of Victim Support was thrilled to receive a £3,500 grant at the Comet's headquarters in Morden on Friday.

Branch chairman, Richard Ferris, and borough manager, Nikki Marshall-Smith, picked up the cheque and said the photocopier would be used to reproduce induction information, newsletters and training packs for its 74 volunteers.

Ms Marshall-Smith said it was important volunteers had good training to help victims with the healing process and recovery.

According to Mr Ferris, the number of volunteers at the Kingston branch had increased in the past year.

He said: "More volunteers means we need to do more paper updates, for which a reliable photocopier is an essential tool."

To contact the branch, which is open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, call 020 8547 3202 or email nikki@victimsupportkingston.

org.uk.