A BRADFORD-based charity which supports male survivors of child sexual abuse has received £20,000 of funding.

Survivors West Yorkshire received the money from the People's Postcode Lottery and some of it will be directed to its specialist online counselling service 'Ben's Place'.

Ben’s Place is named after a West Yorkshire male survivor who experienced sexual abuse between the ages of 10 and 13.

He took his own life shortly after his 23rd birthday.

It currently only offers online services, but it's hoped that as its virtual service develops, it will also be able to run off-line workshops and outreach.

Bob Balfour, the founder and CEO of Survivors West Yorkshire, said: “My ambition for Ben’s Place is that any male survivor anywhere in West Yorkshire will be able to connect easily to counselling support using the internet and have a simple message spoken to them: “You’ve never been alone – we’ve been working hard for decades to create safe spaces and we’re pleased you’ve found us.”