TWO Forest organisations have each received a £2,000 boost from local company Mabey Bridge.

The employee council at the Lydney-based bridge builders was involved in selecting the Great Oaks Hospice and the Forest Foodbank.

Cheques were presented by employee council member Ashley Whittington, operations director Robin Stevens and human resources manager Pam Sladen.

The money came from the Madeline Mabey Trust which assists a wide range of community organisations.

Mr Whittington said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Great Oaks Hospice and the Forest Foodbank.

Mr Stevens added: “Around 90 per cent of our employees live locally and we like the employee council to determine the charities.”

The plant on Harbour Road, Lydney employs some 160 people and Mr Stevens said it was an “exciting” time for the company.

He said: “After going through consolidation, we are now growing the company.

“We have recently taken on four apprentices for the first time in a few years and hopefully that signals where we are going as an organisation.

“This is a really exciting time for the business.”