COMMUNITY groups are being given the chance to get their hands on more than £1 million of government cash.

The Worcestershire Community Foundation and Community First have been awarded £1.35 million as part of a government scheme to target ‘grassroots’ community initiatives across the country.

The organisations will be handing out grants, which start at £500, to groups which make life better for people in Worcestershire.

Professor Michael Clarke, one of the organisations’ trustees, said they were ecstatic to have been given so much money.

“We want to give the money to groups who are helping to sustain activities in their local community,” he said. “Worcestershire’s a great place to live, so let’s make it even better and help people and groups who could really benefit.”

The government has allocated Community First £660,000 in grant money and promised to match the money raised by the Worcestershire Community Foundation from local businesses and individuals up to the value of £545,000.

For more information about how to access a Grassroots Grant contact Pauline Dumville on 01684 312730 or at paulined@comfirst.org.uk. If you would like to make a donation contact the Worcestershire Community Foundation on 01299825255 or at worcestershirecommunityfoundation.org.uk