COMMUNITY organisations have been awarded a funding boost.

Various clubs, groups and associations from across the Rural West Area of Cheshire bid for funds made available by the area’s partnership board.

Voluntary and community groups were invited to apply for a grant of up to £750 from an overall pit of £4,000 at a participatory event in Tarvin Community Centre.

Nine projects were shortlisted and subsequently delivered presentations to an audience comprising residents, parish councils and community groups.

The six winning organisations, which will now receive a share of the funding, are: Kelsall After School Klub, Kelsall Youth Support Group, Saughall Neighbourhood Management Team, Saughall Uniformed Groups, St John’s Guilden Sutton and St Peter’s Mickle Trafford Holiday Club and Tilston Playing Field Association.

Kelsall Pre-School and Klub committee member Jude Dodd said: “We are a non-profit charitable organisation and although parents pay their fees, we rely heavily on outside support and funding.

“This will enable us to update outdoor play and sporting equipment.

“We can now provide full day care for children aged three and above and we can cater for children up to 14.”

A Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesman added: “The event received a very positive response particularly as it gave everyone the opportunity to hear about the work local residents were doing to support their community and to meet and share ideas.

“The key benefit of this event however was that it handed the decision making about what projects should be funded back to the community.”