A FIRM that aims to make living more comfortable for everyone has donated more than £5,000 to help elderly and vulnerable Dartmouth residents remain independent in their own homes.

Bristol-based Appeal Home Shading has given the cash injection to Dartmouth Caring which works closely with the community and local medical and care services to provide health, care, financial and emotional support and assistance to those in the town and surrounding area.

Appeal Home Shading, which has over 45 employees at its headquarters as well as 35 design consultants and installers working across the UK, raised the money over a 12-month period by matching every brochure requested with a donation to the charity.

Founded in 1988, the same year as Dartmouth Caring, Appeal Home Shading is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of remote control smart blinds for the home and conservatories, window shutters and awnings.

Company chairman Mich­ael Madigan, a keen sailor with a home in Dartmouth, said: ‘I am thrilled that we have been able to work with Dartmouth Caring over the last year and to make a contribution to the vital service they provide.

‘They are a great example of how a local community group can offer support in a personal way and a shining example of what can be achieved when local communities pull together.’

Alison Stocks, manager and co-ordinator of Dartmouth Caring, said: ‘This year’s support by appeal has provided the charity with funding which will allow us to help those who are less able in our community.

‘They have also promoted the charity and what it has achieved through their website and social media which has raised awareness to a wider audience.

‘Our chairman Dee Nutt, trustees, staff, volunteers and indirectly many clients would like to thank Michael Madigan and all those at appeal for this generosity.’