A HOST of worthwhile causes are celebrating a cash windfall thanks to the annual £4,000 Citizen/Crown Paints Community Awards.

A record number of organisations applied for help and 18 were successful.

Volunteers working to create a community fishing club can now carry on renovating a derelict mill lodge in Watery Lane, Darwen.

Keith Norton, Newrad Fishing Club's treasurer, said: "The £600 award is a wonderful boost for our project which we hope will be up and running within two years.

"It has pushed us to the half way mark of our £20,000 target and will help us install facilities for wheelchair users."

Darwen's Sudell County Primary is delighted its project to drain the school's problem football pitch is £600 better off.

Headteacher Adrian Woods said: "The school and local community are extremely grateful for the help offered by local industry to put the pitch back in use all year round. It will create a great facility for the sports-mad kids of Darwen when the work is finished at the end of year."

The tireless efforts of Darwen Old People's Welfare at Derwent Hall was also recognised with a £396 cash grant for new kitchen equipment.

The 4,000 people who attend the charity's daily luncheon club can look forward to chips on the menu now that funds are available to buy a new fryer.

Christmas came early for the residents of Anchor Avenue Children's Home in Darwen thanks to a £410 award for a karaoke system and a selection of games.

The awards were judged by the mayor of Blackburn, councillor Mary Leaver, Citizen reporter Andrea Muldoon and representatives of Crown Paints. The cheques will presented at a special reception at Crown House on August 6.

Other community groups who benefited are: Darwen Rangers Junior Football Club, £150 for training a sports equipment; Darwen Town Football Club, £150 for new kits; Blackburn Boys Football Club, £150 for kit and equipment; Anchor Under 15's Football Club (Darwen), £150 for new kit; The 1st Darwen Scout Group, £150 to re-equip print shop stores; Darwen District Scout and Guide Band, £150 towards cost of new instruments; St Cuthbert's Scout Group (Darwen), £150 to increase security at scout hut; Livesey Community Association (Blackburn), £200 user group and purchase of majorette batons; Roman Road Community Association, £200 and paint pots for The Friendship Club; Friends of Tower View (Darwen), £195 for multi sensory equipment; Churches Together in Darwen Furniture Store, £300 for running costs; Darwen Amateurs, for hire of Darwen Library Theatre to stage charity show for Superscan appeal; Age Concern Blackburn and District, paints for projects; St Andrew's Pre-school Playgroup (Blackburn), paint and advice to renovate kitchen.

All smiles for Newrad Fishing Club volunteers as they celebrate their £600 cash boost

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