MALTON and Norton Lions Club has stepped in to help a charity which supports people with mental health issues.

Next Steps helps people across Ryedale with a drop-in centre, café, activities and outreach groups in Pickering and Kirkbymoorside.

When the charity’s base in Church Street, Norton, had its wooden floor declared unsafe in wet weather, the Lions stepped in with a grant of £3,375 to cover the area with a rubber anti-slip coating.

Lion President Ian Dewhirst said: “Next Steps does some brilliant work helping people in Malton, Norton and across Ryedale.

“Our donation to pay for this safety flooring will make a real difference to this small local charity and allow them to spend more of their hard earned funds on the people that they support.”

Next Steps manager Leisa Burniston said: “The Lions have been truly supportive and to be quite honest amazing.

“Our service provides a cafe-style drop-in where people can access many activities, groups, support, washing facilities and IT access in a safe haven.

“The safe flooring allows more than 40 volunteers and eight staff members to work safely while delivering our service.

“Without the Lions support we would struggle to remain open due to the poor flooring.

“We would like to thank the Lions and praise the good work they do in supporting local people and local charities.”