A LEIGH business has announced it will be pledging £3,500 to help causes in the community.

Astley Hire, which is based on Jury Street, is inviting charities and community groups in the Leigh constituency to bid for funding before a deadline of August 31.

The community scheme has been carried on from last year.

Astley Hire director Stephen Dorricott said: “We are a family-run business whose roots are based in Leigh and we are proud of our heritage and traditions and have a duty to serve the local community.

“The main driving force behind the scheme is to give something back to our local charities who work hard and make a difference in the community we are operating in.

“Most of our staff are from this area, and as a responsible business, we believe we should contribute to the town.”

Leigh MP Jo Platt recently visited the business’ depot to take a tour and was told about the history of the firm which was set up in 1966.

Application forms are available by going to astleyhire.co.uk or picking one up at MP Jo Platt’s office at Leigh Wharf on Canal Street.