FIFTEEN voluntary groups have benefited from a share of more than £6,000 from the Hyndburn Borough Council Community Chest grants.

The Community Chest allocates grants twice yearly to voluntary and community groups, decided by a panel of councillors.

Coun Susan Shorrock, who presented the most recent awards to local groups at Scaitcliffe House, said: "These voluntary groups are all helping to make their communities better places to live.

"I was very pleased to present these awards which will be put to excellent use in the various community projects.

"The aims of the Community Chest are to support local voluntary activity and to encourage new groups and their activities.

"I would urge other active local voluntary and community groups who are providing a service which benefits others in the community to apply, as they may also be eligible for a grant."

Groups who benefited from the latest allocation of grants were:

Action Team - Melbourne St Christian Institute (£509.94); Christ Church Youth Club (£500); Church Community Church (£437); Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club (£500); Grange Bowling Club (£200); Hamdard (£100); Huncoat Neighbourhood Project (£500); Hyndburn Carers Focus group (£500); Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Outreach (£500); Knuzden Youth FC (£200); Lancashire Wildlife Trust (£800); More Than Gold (£295); St Josephs Football Club (£250); Springhill Network Group(£500); Winged Fellowship Trust (£248).

For more information about The Hyndburn Borough Council Community Chest, contact Joanne Smith, at Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) on 01254 879966.