A school mental wellbeing project, an orchestra, theatre and a choir are among some of the community groups in Burnley to benefit from more than £40,000 of funding.

The Edward Stocks Massey Bequest Fund was established by the will of the late Edward Stocks Massey in 1910.

Its aim was to fund the provision of education “whether mental, physical, technical or artistic”, and the “advancements of science, learning, music or other arts for the inhabitants of Burnley”.

This year, 14 awards totalling £43,150 have been distributed to projects, individuals and organisations.

As well as the schools’ mental wellbeing project other recipients include Towneley Hall Museum and Art Gallery, Heasandford Primary School, Burnley Film Makers and St Peter's Parish Church. 

Two Burnley students will receive scholarships worth a total of £3,000 over the period of the degree to provide them with financial help to progress into higher education later this year.

Burnley Film Makers was granted £500. The voluntary group’s chair, secretary Mike Breeze, said: “We are a group of enthusiastic film makers from across the East Lancashire area.

“It’s funding like this that has helped us to keep going since 1931. It means we can afford to hire the village hall in Higham. I have no doubt that in nine years’ time, we’ll be able to celebrate our centenary.”

Cabinet member for community and cultural services, County Councillor Peter Buckley said: "These awards remind us of the vital contribution small and medium-sized community groups make within our community.

“I would personally like to thank the Trustees, who have so ably watched over the investment of the original bequest enabling the Borough to continue to reap the benefits of the Stocks Massey generosity.”