A PROJECT which provides respite care to disabled children and their families has become the first winner of a new community funding scheme in Malvern.

Kaleidoscope, which has been running for 22 years, scooped more than £400 at the first MalvernSoup event, held at the Cube on Sunday.

The project has supports children with severe special needs and their families across South Worcestershire.

Chris Reed, MalvernSoup founder, said: "We are delighted that our first Soup event was so well attended. Kaleidoscope is a worthy winner and we wish them every success in continuing their outstanding project for many years to come."

Soup is a micro-funding movement which sees people pay a set amount on the door, receive a bowl of soup and then vote for one of four local projects which pitch to the audience.

The winning project is then given the money from the meeting to go towards continuing its services.

Competing for the funding at the first MalvernSoup was the Nappy Advisory Service, Zest for Life, Beat Doctors and Kaleidoscope.

Representatives from each project addressed the audience and explained what their schemes were about, before taking questions from the audience.

Everyone attending brought along food and drink to create a bring-and-share spread, and there was entertainment from Ballet Malvern.

Mr Reed said: "The real benefit is getting people together to look at new plans and projects for the community. Even if a project doesn’t win, it gets the benefit of a lot of publicity, discussion and interest in the idea, and each entrant is welcome to pitch again at later Soups.

"It’s about creating a safe space for diverse groups to come together and support each other for the benefit of the community. It all benefits Malvern."

The next MalvernSoup event will be held at Malvern Town Football Club on Sunday, December 11 from 3pm to 6pm.

For more information visit malvernsoup.co.uk, Tweet @malvernsoup or find Malvern Soup on Facebook.