GRANTS totalling more than £1,500 have been handed to nine deserving community groups.

The money was raised by members of Worcester Lions Club during the popular annual Santa’s sleigh fundraiser.

Donations were given to representatives of good causes, during a presentation at the Mayor’s Parlour at the Guildhall.

The grant scheme, which is supported each year by the Worcester News, aims to support charities and good causes who make a difference to the lives of Worcester people.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Steve Mackay presented the cheques at the event.

This year’s successful organisations include Oasis Warndon Community Hub, which is using the money to help fit out a new venue; Cruise, which will use the cash to buy a printer; Community Connectors, using the money to help fund a new project in Ronkswood; and Newlife, which is using the donation to provide equipment for disabled children.

Also benefitting are Rushwick Pre-School, using the money towards a much needed new building; Worcester Snoezlen, which is using the cash for the restoration of a new sensory garden; Malvern Special Families, using it to fund a summer outing to the Black County Museum; and the Myriad Centre, which is using it to buy musical instruments.

Worcester Lions Club president Joy Haffner thanked the members for their fundraising efforts.

Cllr Mackay said: “Once again this proves how much the value of volunteers goes towards raising a lot of money for worthwhile charities and good organisations.

"I hope more people get a lot out of volunteering - I speak to a lot of people who have.”

Dennis Little, chairman of the trustee at Worcester Snoezlen said: “This money is going to completely renovate our sensory garden.

“For people with no sight, for people who are very high on the autism spectrum, the feel of the plants is really important to them - and that is what this is going to do for us.

“So thank you to the lions, and all the work put in to raise the funds.”

Meredith Lambert, who represent the Newlife charity that supports disabled children, said they were very grateful for the money as it would be used to buy much needed, specialist equipment.