Harrow people who cannot afford to pay for legal advice will benefit from a grant from a national organisation.

The Harrow Law Centre received a cash boost from the Co-operative Group to help pay towards the seasonal costs of a solicitor.

Harrow Law Centre is the legal charity for the borough and provides legal assistance to disadvantaged groups in areas such as housing, community care, children’s rights and complex benefits issues.

The money came from the Co-operative Membership Community Fund, which gives grants to good causes in communities across the country.

Pamela Fitzpatrick, Director of Harrow Law Centre, said: “Funding is becoming ever harder to secure, therefore we were delighted to receive this grant from The Co-operative.

“The cash will make a huge difference to the group, and means we will be able to help more local people.”

Andy Young, from The Co-operative, said: “Supporting local communities has been an inherent part of The Co-operative’s values and principles since the very beginning of the Co-operative Movement.

“We are particularly proud of our community fund, as it demonstrates how members can make a real difference in their local area.”