Town councillors have criticised a Kenilworth charity which has funds of around £10 million for being nearly three months past the deadline for filing its accounts.

The William Edwards Educational Charity (WEEC) is currently 90 days behind in submitting in its annual return and accounts to the Charity Commission.

Speaking at the most recent Kenilworth Town Council meeting, Cllr Richard Dickson said it was a "considerable embarrassment to the charity" that the documents were "significantly late".

He said it was particularly pertinent given WEEC is "such a big charity that invests so much money in the town".

The charity dates back over 300 years and exists to give grants to Kenilworth people under the age of 25 to cover anything from uniforms and books to undergraduate degree expenses and postgraduate bursaries.

The charity donated more than £300,000 to schools last year and regularly aids more than 200 people each year with individual grants.

WEEC has three trustees nominated by Kenilworth Town Council to help oversee it.

At the most recent town council meeting, Cllr Kate Dickson explained problems with the previous auditors had delayed the submission of the accounts and annual return.

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"The accounts are now with a reputable, larger accountant and we are waiting for them to come back," she told councillors.

"I understand the clerk has had at least two meetings with the accountants and they are waiting."

This is not the first time WEEC has missed the deadline for filing its accounts.

Last year it was one day late, and in 2022 was 58 days late in filing them.

WEEC was formed following the death of notable surgeon Dr William Edwards in 1723.

Born in 1659, Edwards lived in Kenilworth, working as a surgeon and bone setter.

WEEC has been approached for comment.