Groups win share of £446,000 Lotto cash

Dozens of community groups, churches and schools across the West Midlands were today celebrating after being handed a slice of £446,000 Lottery cash.

The cash is being handed out as part of the Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All programme, which aims to help communities and people in need. Nineteen groups in the Black Country and Staffordshire are being given grants as part of the handout, ranging from just over £5,000 to £10,000.

Among those to receive cash is The RSA Academy in Tipton, which will use its £9,000 to run taster sessions in photography and jewellery making.

Lesley James, director of business development at the school in Bilston Road said: "We are delighted to get the funding. This means will be able to invite members of the community into school to learn interesting new skills."

Grants ranging from £300 to £10,000 are available for groups and organisations through the Big Lottery Fund.

Since the National Lottery began in 1994, more than 330,000 grants have been awarded across arts, sport, heritage, charities, health, education and the environment.

Enville Toddler Group, based at the cricket pavilion in Hall Drive, Enville, has been awarded £5,364.

Lara Keasey, chairwoman of the group, said the money would go towards a "leaps and bounds" activity course in January, as well as trips, new toys and play equipment.

"We are over the moon," said Mrs Keasey, aged 37, of Foster Crescent, Kinver.

John Cotton, project support worker for Walsall Voluntary Action group which has been awarded £8,521, said: "We are delighted that the Big Lottery Fund is supporting our trustees network initiative, which will bring real benefits to charities, voluntary and community organisations across Walsall.

"Our new network will provide a forum for Trustees to come together, share experiences and know-how, and help to build stronger links between Walsall's voluntary organisations."

John Taylor, Big Lottery Fund's head of the West Midlands region, said: "Awards for All can really help turn lives around."

Where the money is going

Hornafrikan Support Group, Birmingham £10,000

Twinkle Stars Nursery, B'ham ........ £10,000

Elsa Organisation Ltd, B'ham ....... £10,000

BSS Birmingham CIC, B'ham ......... £9,090

Get Hooked on Fishing Midlands, B'ham .......................................................... £2,730

Douglas Bader Foundation, B'ham .. £9,750

Brandwood Centre Community Association, Birmingham ..................................... £8,100

Kings Norton Village Allotment Association, Birmingham ..................................... £2,700

Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, Cannock Chase ............................. £10,000

Rugeley and District Community First Responders, Cannock Chase ....... £10,000

St Michael & Holy Angels, West Bromwich .......................................................... £9,800

The RSA Academy, Sandwell .......... £9,000

Trinity Methodist Church, Codsall .. £10,000

Enville Toddler Group, South Staffs £5,364

Brownhills West Parents, Teachers and Friends Association, ...................... £10,000

Walsall Council for Voluntary Service £8,521

West Midlands Search & Rescue .... £9,974

E-Risk Society, Wolverhampton ...... £8,085

Young and Dishy, Wolverhampton .. £9,700

Wolverhampton Elder Asians & Disabled Wolverhampton ................................£9,700