A TRUST which has donated thousands of pounds worth of grants to good causes in Mickleton is celebrating its 500th anniversary.

The Richard Porter Trust, which was set up by the leaseholder of Mickleton Manor, Richard Porter, in 1513, to provide an income to St Lawrence’s Church and for education of the children of the parish, is celebrating with a special service of thanksgiving.

More than 100 people who have previously benefited from grants have been invited to the service at the church on Saturday, November 2, at 11am.

The trust recently awarded Mickleton Primary School £20,000 which will go towards science, ICT and PE equipment.

Headteacher Adrian Webb said: “We are very pleased the Richard Porter Trust continues to support the school so well as they have done in previous years. It will make a really big difference.”

John Kinchin, chairman of the trust, said: “We were absolutely delighted to help. It’s such a well-run and highly respected school. We are very fortunate we’ve got a very good teaching staff and friends of the school association.

“We’ve supported the school in many ways over the years.”

Beneficiaries have included Mickleton youth club and Mickleton Young Gardeners along with students at Chipping Campden School.

Two pupils receivedgrants for voluntary projects overseas while another with musical talent was awarded funding.

“It’s been administered over the years so well,” added Mr Kinchin. “Richard Porter’s charity has survived all the upheavals of our tumultuous history. We now look forward to the next 500 years.”