A PRUDHOE charity has failed to report its accounts.

Reporting for accounts for Friends of Eastwoods Park was overdue by 506 days (at the time of writing).

The charity, based in West Wylam, Prudhoe, supports children, elderly people and those on low incomes. It runs a food bank, uniform bank and acts as a community hub and cafe for the town, trading under the name the Miner's Lamp. It also maintains and improves the park.

Annual returns are also outstanding according to the Charity Commission's website.

Charities registered in England must send an annual return to the Charity Commission or report their income and spending every year.

“The Friends of Eastwoods Park has rapidly grown to be a charity supporting our community, more so during the covid pandemic", said trustee Russ Greig.

"Unfortunately, due to the loss of a leading trustee towards the end of 2019 and struggles to recruit support, all our efforts were directed to supporting our community during the pandemic.

"We have been in touch with the Charity Commission and the preparation of outstanding accounts and regulatory requirements is currently being completed with utmost urgency to ensure that what we have achieved and done for our community is not only transparent but as trustees, we are also accountable.

"It is not an easy task for a very small group of people to create such a vital and fast-growing charity as the Friends of Eastwoods Park has done - particularly over the past two years during the pandemic”.