A town councillor has questioned why an Alton charity should get a £500 grant when it has £100,000 in reserves.

Dementia Friendly Alton asked for help with the costs of promoting and staging a community arts event and an open day.

Cllr Graham Hill led the praise for the “phenomenal work” the cause does locally with the request being approved.

But Cllr Matthew Kellerman objected as he called the request “unwarranted” because of the charity’s finances.

He said: “I would like it noted I will be voting against it purely on their reserves, not against them as a charity as they do sterling work.”

The charity asked for £250 apiece with the funding going towards publicity, refreshments, hospitality, caretakers and resource development.