LOTTERY cash totalling more than £25,000 has been handed out to Wyre Forest community groups.

The grants form part of the £1 million-plus hand-out for more than 300 groups in the West Midlands through the region's Awards for All initiative.

Heading the windfall celebrations is Kidderminster theatre group Cuckoo's Nest, which received £5,000 to pay for workshops, running costs, costumes and props, to increase access to drama for disabled people.

Bewdley Historical Research Group was allocated £4,989 to pay for computer equipment, software, marketing costs and printing, to improve research on the history and development of Wribbenhall.

Plans for disabled access and improving waiting room and interview facilities at the Wyre Forest Citizens Bureau in Kidderminster will go ahead after the service was awarded £4,979.

The cash will partly fund the installation of hand rails, doors, a television aerial, induction loop, leaflet racks and lighting.

Tan Lane Playgroup will be able to have a multi-functional outdoor classroom and play area on its Stourport premises after it was given £4,953.

The money will be used to pay for a climbing frame, chalk board, abacus board, play equipment, fencing and landscaping.

A total of £4,910 for Kidderminster's Holy Trinity School will go towards building a fitness room for students, staff and community groups. The grant will help buy a treadmill, tri-steppers, rowing machine, steps, a bike, and gym balls.

Headmistress Elizabeth Thomas said: "We are thrilled to get this award.

"This will allow us to continue our campaign to improve fitness and improve the overall standard in sport."

Meanwhile, Bewdley residents have the chance to brush up on their IT skills with St Anne's Middle School after it clinched £4,742 of grant money to buy five computers with software and two printers.

And Windmill First School, Stourport, was allocated £1,047 to set up an after-school tennis club for children with qualified tennis coaching.

Tina Costello, senior awards officer, said: "Yet again we have funded a wide range of projects benefiting many people. We still have just over £2 million remaining for this financial year, so if groups are interested why not give us a call."

Groups interested in applying for funding should contact Awards for All on 0121 200 3511.