CLUBS and societies in Alcester are to receive a boost after town councillors agreed to hand out more than £7,000 in grants.

Although subject to confirmation at next month's full town council meeting, it is likely more than 20 groups will benefit - some for the first time.

Alcester in Bloom will receive the biggest award of £2,300 with £1,000 going to the Greig Centre to help with running costs.

The Citizens Advice Bureau and the Volunteer Bureau will each receive £700 and ABLE (which looks after the bunting and Christmas lights) £600.

Alcester's U3A group, which has been turned down on previous occasions, will receive £100.

Other beneficiaries include: the Royal British Legion, Darby and Joan club, Alcester Club for the Blind, Young Firefighters, Alcester Junior Drama Club, Chamber of Trade and Alcester Churches Together.

Last year the council handed out £7,420 in grants - way over its budget of £6,000 - and the figure committed so far for 2005/6 is £7,725.