A CLUB that offers a lifeline for disabled people has been handed a grant of more than £10,000.

"Inspirational" Ann Marsden runs a social club that supports disabled people living in sheltered housing.

Dial South Worcestershire received £10,195 from the Health Lottery, and has given the cash to Miss Marsden's project.

She set up the club five years ago when Unity House day centre closed due to funding cuts,

Miss Marsden, who lives in a Worcester Community Housing sheltered complex, said: "When Unity House closed, everyone was a bit upset.

"A lot of people had been there for 20 years, so it was their second home.

"I just thought 'I'll open my own one' and did it.

"I did it for them, but also for me."

Miss Marsden, 65, was born with spina bifida, a disorder which means she has a gap in her spine,

She attended Unity House for 19 years before it closed in 2009.

The club, which takes place every Monday in St Clement's Court in Worcester, offers disabled people the chance to eat lunch and socialise.

Club members can play games, do crosswords or get involved with arts and crafts, while regular trips out are organised and exercise classes are held on a monthly basis.

Cathy Merriman, from Dial, said: "The project itself is quite unique for disabled people, as there are very few social clubs where people with a disability can meet and do things together.

"Ann is a great inspirational figure in Worcestershire.

"There's real community support for it as well, it's very much local people coming together.

"It's a project run by disabled people, for disabled people."

The grant came fromThe Health Lottery, under its Health Thrive initiative.

Miss Marsden said it will go towards buying new items for the club, putting on music and other ideas suggested by club members.

The club is open to new members.

For more information, call Miss Marsden on 01905 428133.