AFTER nearly two years of waiting, one of Malmesbury’s best known community groups can legally call itself a charity.

HEALS of Malmesbury started the process to become legally recognised as a charity 18 months ago, but has now been formally granted the title.

This means HEALS will be able to apply for grant funding and reclaim taxes on donations through gift aid.

Chairman of HEALS, Malmesbury Town Council member Gavin Grant, said: “It is great news that after a lot of work and a long wait HEALS is now an officially recognised and registered charity.

“This will help with our fundraising and see pledged cash now released to support important projects.”

The Malmesbury charity, which helps vulnerable people in the community, is celebrating its fifth birthday this year.

General manager Alison Cross-Jones has committed herself to the work HEALS do from day one.

Speaking about the achievement of becoming a charity, Alison said: “The team are delighted that we have got this and it is another step further and another reassurance that what we are doing is right.

“The Charity Commission is confident in what we are doing and we can now really move the organisation forward positively.”

HEALS was chosen as one of this year’s mayoral charities by Malmesbury mayor Cllr Wayne Jones.

He said: “I am delighted that following five years of hard work as volunteers, HEALS has now been granted charitable status.

“The criteria for becoming a charity is rigorous and this achievement is evidence of their commitment to deliver a first class support service to the residents of Malmesbury and the wider community.

“As a charity, HEALS will be financially stronger and supported by enhanced governance arrangements will be able to access new funding opportunities and partnerships.

“This will allow them to expand their engagement and support mechanisms and provide a positive impact in more areas.”

For more information visit healsmalmesbury.com