A volunteer-led counselling service that offers "affordable" support to Kenilworth residents has been given a £2,500 grant from the town council.

New Hope Christian Counselling was awarded the donation at the last finance and general services committee meeting of Kenilworth Town Council.

Councillors said the service, which works from Kenilworth Methodist Church, is a vital asset to the town.

Having provided nearly 350 hours of counselling last year, both online and in person, New Hope said demand to see its therapists has continued to rise.

"Kenilworth is perceived to be a wealthy area but you will be aware that there are areas of deprivation which include low-income households," the application said. 

"Communities are now facing more financial turbulence with the cost-of-living crisis, which is already putting clients in financial hardship and is set to continue further. 

"The need for our service is likely to increase although client donations may well decrease."

New Hope's therapists are all volunteers who are either fully qualified counsellors or students on placement. 

The funding will be used to cover the cost of management staff, room hire, insurance and IT.

With the application to KTC receiving unanimous support, Cllr Michael Coker said: "All the consultants are voluntary, they give their services. This is something that needs our support. 

"Mental health is something that, if anybody who has been involved in it or had relatives involved in it, any help of any sort is very important and very useful because it can be a very lonely place." 

KTC also approved a £2,600 donation for Citizens Advice South Warwickshire.