COMMUNITY groups are to benefit from grants totalling more than £15,000 from the National Lottery.

Four schemes in the area will receive the money from the Lottery's Awards for All programme, which helps small groups promote the arts, sport and community activities.

The Bromyard and District Rifle Club will get £4,000 for a new roof and to improve safety facilities at its shooting range.

"We're absolutely delighted. It's the best thing that's happened in our history," said club chairman Graham Povey.

"The facilities are basic and have deteriorated considerably. It's slightly embarrassing when we hold competitions and have water dripping on people's heads through the roof."

Another scheme to benefit is the Bosbury Jubilee playground which will provide children of primary school age with a village play area.

Rachel McGill, chairman of the committee overseeing the project, said: "It's brilliant. We've already raised £3,000 and this money will help us to buy the rest of the things we need. It's really opened up lots of possibilities for us."

The redevelopment of Putley Parish Hall will continue thanks to a £3,463 grant.

Ray Hunter, a member of the parish hall working group, said: "Really, the facilities in the hall are about 100 years out of date. This money will help us look at putting in more effective heating and internet technology. We want to make it the sort of place people will go because they've tended to drift away."

The money will fund an architectural feasibility study and a survey of around 400 households in Putley and, Aylton and Pixley.

Leigh and Bransford Badgers football club's project, to encourage participation in football, will receive £2,600.