THREE years after he granted them £89,000, MP and Paymaster General Francis Maude returned to Stroud charity project Open House on Friday.

In 2011 Maude, the MP for Horsham, announced the launch of the government backed £100m Transition Fund, which helps charities prepare and move forward in tough economic times.

Open House in Gloucester Street, Stroud, offers housing, community support and general help for those who are homeless or have complex mental health problems.

Upon visiting Open House, Rt Hon Maude said he was ‘very impressed’ with the unique quota offered by the charity.

Rt Hon Maude was shown round by clients of the charity and saw the improvements that the money has allowed Open House to make. He participated in a Q and A session and was made tea and biscuits by residents grateful for his support.

Claire Mould, CEO of Open House said: “We have used the money to wisely consolidate what we have and I think our growth in the last three years is a great case study to show how government donations can help a charity.

“We have never strayed from our values and aims as a charity and I think the MP was impressed that we offer so many services. Other charities may only offer one part of what we do” she added.