BIRTHDAY celebrations have started early for an Ipswich charity after receiving a cash windfall from a UK Trust.The Iceni Project opened its drop in centre in Woodbridge Road in early 2000.

BIRTHDAY celebrations have started early for an Ipswich charity after receiving a cash windfall from a UK Trust.

The Iceni Project opened its drop in centre in Woodbridge Road in early 2000. Those two years have now been marked with a £15,000 grant from the Lloyds TSB Foundation and the money will be used for the charity's rent and running costs over the next couple of years.

The project aims to raise awareness of drugs and to help prevent an increase in their misuse.

Brian Tobin, project manager, said: "This is a fantastic start to our second year.

"It has been difficult to attract funding – which is why we are so grateful to the Lloyds TSB Foundation for easing our fundraising worries for a while. Without this donation we would struggle to survive."

The Lloyds TSB Foundation supports under-funded grass-roots charities. In 2001 it received £34.4 million to distribute to registered charities throughout the UK.

Adrian Jordan, of Lloyds TSB Cornhill South, said: "Drug misuse is a big problem for many local people, and it is vital that they can take advantage of an accessible support service.

"Hundreds of people use the Iceni Project's drop-in-centre, and those who don't can always get help and advice over the phone.

"I am delighted that the Lyods TSB Foundation has been able to support such an important local initiative."

Each year 2,000 people visit the drop-in centre to take advantage of a range of tailored support programmes, as well as counselling sessions and complementary therapies.

Staff at the Iceni Project also regularly visit community centres to advise and inform members about drugs.

n For further information about the Iceni Project telephone 01473 214006

n To find out more about Lloyds TSB Foundations visit www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk