AN award-winning Teesside estate agent has marked its new support for a charitable movement by presenting a £5,000 cheque that has saved a Middlesbrough community hub from closure.

Hunters Teesside have agreed to donate five per cent of their annual profits – and a minimum of £5,000 per year - to enable the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation to support local community groups and charities.

They presented their first £5,000 donation to the Tickle the Tastebuds group in Thorntree that acts as a lifeline for those in crisis.

Mel King, the group’s co-leader, said: “I actually cried when I heard the fantastic news that the Foundation was giving us the money we needed to stay open for another year.

“We were devastated at the thought of having to close because the group means so much to the people who utilise it. It is a lifeline.

“We’ve had women break down in tears because we’ve been able to give them a hamper for their family, while the group definitely saved the life of a local drug-user who came to us when he was bleeding to death."

Run from a base at The Christian Centre on Locksley Road, Tickle the Taste Buds is dedicated to feeding and helping people with issues ranging from homelessness and addictions to financial difficulties and loneliness.

"We encourage them to support each other and create a better community spirit. We encourage self-respect and self-worth in order for them to gain confidence to sort out their troubles and eventually return to work."

The group’s band of unpaid volunteers were devastated when The Christian Centre was threatened with closure when its owners, the Apostolic Church said they could no longer afford to keep the base open.

"The church has always footed the bill to keep the centre open but were no longer able to do that," said Mr King, "Thanks to the support of the Philanthropic Foundation, we’re now able to cover the costs and continue and even expand our work."

Lisa Preston of Hunters said: “By donating five per cent of our annual profits to the Philanthropic Foundation to support brilliant local causes, we are sharing our success with the community."

Based on Linthorpe Road, Hunters Teesside recently beat 120 branches across the country to receive two national awards for Platinum Sales and Best Improved over the past 12 months.