Somerset LGBT group 2BU receives £20,000 grant

2BU was set up in 2003 to help young LGBT people deal with isolation and depression

A support group for young gay and transgender people is having its council contract replaced with an annual grant.

Somerset County Council said 2BU, which supports LGBT people, will have its grant reviewed annually "bringing it into line with other youth groups".

Fraser Amos, from 2BU, said he was "relieved" the group would be able to carry on for another year.

The contract ends in March and 2BU will receive a £20,000 grant for 2017/18.

The group had feared the end of the three-year-contract may have meant the closure of the service.

Mr Amos, who campaigned to keep it running, said: "We reached a thousand signatures in a week on our petition.

"Lots of people left really heart-warming messages talking about their family members and their friends that the group had helped."

Councillor Frances Nicholson said: "We have always recognised the value of support of this kind,

"The grant funding will be reviewed each year and brings the group into line with other youth groups in the county."