SCOUT groups, village halls, schools, mental health charities, sports organisations - and even a model railway group - have shared a bumper £156,000 of Lottery cash.

The Awards for All scheme has doled out more than £1m to voluntary and community groups across the Midlands - £156,000 in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

But organisations which missed out can get their hands on another £2m already earmarked for the region.

Among the latest beneficiaries are disabled children at Cranham Primary, in Warndon, who will enjoy £3,675 of toys and videos for their pre-school club.

Budding stars keen to follow in the footsteps of Worcester Olympic champion Simon Archer will benefit from coaching thanks to an award of £4,890 to the Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association.

Worcestershire Lifestyles, a project to encourage disabled people's access to sports and leisure, can now employ a development officer with a £4,980 grant while the Midland Deaf Sports Association, based in Worcester, has received £5,000 to boost its work.

Cash-strapped pupils desperate to join the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Droitwich High School will now be able to do so, thanks to a grant of £1,560 which will fund rucksacks, waterproofs, head torches and maps.

The 7th Pershore Scout Group can look forward to a better night's sleep thanks to a £4,897 grant for new tents, while tots at Wychbold First & Nursery School will enjoy a safe play area, at a cost of £4,940.

Young conservationists in the Evesham Forest School Partnership have been given a £5,000 cash boost to pay for fencing materials and waterproofs.

Those looking for advice in the Wyre Forest will enjoy a refurbished Citizens Advice Bureau, thanks to a grant of £4,979.

And historians researching the past in Wribbenhall, near Bewdley, have been given £4,989 for computers, software, printing, display boards and marketing.

Over the coming days, the Evening News will bring you the stories of the people behind these grants.

Organisations who think they may be eligible for a slice of the next £2m should contact 0121 200 3511.