AN OLYMPIC-themed community games, a new stage and new sports equipment have been made possible in Wychavon thanks to £50,000 in community grants.

Every year, the district council gives away thousands of pounds to local voluntary groups and organisations to help support good causes.

This year the theme of the grants was the Olympics, although applications from other areas were still considered, and grants varied from £500 to £9,000.

Tracy Grubb, the community development officer at Wychavon, said: “We continue to be committed to community projects and helping organisations to bring projects to fruition in their areas.

“There are some brilliant projects on the list this year with a lot flying the flag for the Olympic theme.”

The grants include: Worcester Cricket Club (Norton) – £500 towards training and protective equipment and first aid kits for 180 young cricketers to help with a sudden surge of membership.

Whittington Village Hall – £9,000 towards the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new £300,000 village hall and car park area.

Tibberton Parish Council – £9,000 towards the demolition of the existing village hall and the construction of a new one for £300,000.

Pershore Phoenix Dragon Boat Club – £2,000 to improve storage facilities for the club’s training and safety equipment.

Bretforton Memorial Hall – £1,000 towards the cost of replacing the chairs in the hall.

The PCC of Fladbury, Moor, Wyre, Cropthorne and Charlton – £1,000 towards a £71,400 project to modernise the facilities, installing a kitchenette, disabled toilet and access ramp.

Norton Community Games – £500 towards new sports equipment for an Olympic- themed community games which will be used in the longer term by the youth club.

Eckington Memorial Hall – £4,000 towards a new demountable stage.

Robert Woodward Parish Hall and Institute, Birlingham – £5,000 towards the replacement of the roof, improved drainage and security.

Harvington Youth Project – £550 towards providing equipment and facilities to enable the youth group to do some Olympic sports.

Go West (throughout Wychavon) – £750 towards work with communities to create parish history timelines, wonder cards and set heritage quests for heritage detectives of all ages, online training materials and associated workshops.

233 (Pershore) Squadron Air Training Corps – £750 towards an upgrade of its aging and heavy air rifles to new modern lightweight ones that teenagers will find easier to use.

Evesham Arts Association – £3,000 towards improvements to disabled toilet facilities.

South Littleton Playground Action Group – £7,500 towards the redesign and refurbishment of the children’s playground area located on the recreation ground in South Littleton.

1st Pershore Scout Group – £1,000 towards archery, sports and play equipment.

Offenham Youth Club – £500 towards equipment for a media project.

Gloverspiece Minifarm, Droitwich – £750 towards replacing its old website.

Number 8 Community Arts Centre – £1,000 towards establishing a new singing group for local teenagers as part of an after-school activity.

Droitwich Spa Cricket Club – £750 to help purchase a new cricket sightscreen.

Upton Snodsbury FC – £500 towards new goalposts.

Lighthouse X-Stream, Droitwich – £450 towards boy and girl mascot puppets.

Broadway Youth Club – £500 towards improvements to the youth club.