VOLUNTEER groups across Worcester this week lined up for the latest grant awards by the city's Lions Club.

Representatives of the groups gathered at the Mayor's parlour in the city's Guildhall to collect their cheques form Lions president Joy Haffner and Mayor Paul Denham.

The Little Lambs toddler group which meets at St John's Church, got £175 to pay for new storage units.

Heidi Murphy of the group said: "At the moment we have to put all the toys away by hiding them behind a display screen. Buying the storage units means the children will have somewhere to put them that they can call their own."

Barnardo's were given £300 which will help pay for a summer outing at Barry Island.

Sally Wardle of the group said: "The children don't get the chance to go on outings very much, so this will be a great day out for them."

The RNIB's New College in Worcester got £200 which help fund its Independent Living Skills department, and the

Friends of King George V Playing Fields was given £150 towards its summer holiday club.

Second Chance Furnishing got £300 which will help get its van back on the road. Philip Fowler of the group said: "The engine blew up in December and that has given us huge problems. We use the van to collect furniture which we them sell. because we're the trading arm of St Paul's Hostel at Tallow Hill. We also donate second-hand furniture to those in need."

The Worcester group of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society was given £75 towards the purchase of a laptop. Donna Saunders of the group said: "We're very grateful to the Lions for this donation. We get visiting speakers and they all want to make PowerPoint presentations, so having our own laptop will be a great help."

And the Worcestershire Parents and Carers Community were given £300 towards taking groups young people to the outdoor activities centre in Malvern.

Dominic Pugh of the group said: "It will give them the chance to try out new skills suck as kayaking and abseiling, and this contribution is gratefully received."

Cllr Denham said: "What's really nice is meeting so many volunteers who are making a difference in their communities, and we must say a grateful thanks to the Lions for their generosity."