COMMUNITY groups in Wyre Forest have shared in a £1 million plus cash handout aimed at boosting sports, arts, heritage and the environment.

In all, eight groups ranging from school-based projects offering youngsters sporting opportunities to arts schemes have been offered cash totalling more than £33,000.

Those receiving Awards for All include Stourport Hockey Club which will receive £3,859 towards developing youth hockey in the district, funding training, equipment and tournament expenses.

Peter Terry, chairman of the club's youth and development section, said: "The award is great news and will make a big difference." He added it would help the club develop the hockey stars of the future.

Hartlebury History Society, which will receive £3,720 towards its project to design a website and Trimpley Sailing Club, which will get £4,500 towards its project to increase participation in sailing by providing three extra sailing boats.

Wyre Forest Arts Forum is to receive £4,989 towards photographers' fee and materials for its initiative which is aimed at documenting and showcasing arts events in the district.

Schools benefiting from the scheme include Stourport High School Language College which is launching an initiative to provide sports equipment and training opportunities for young people in Wyre Forest. The grant of £3,267 will pay for table tennis and basketball equipment and coaching.

Wribbenhall Middle School is to get £3,750 towards its project to offer children with disabilities access to sports in Bewdley. The grant will pay for venue and transport hire, training and equipment.

At Sion Middle School, a project to provide arts workshops for members of a drama group and neighbouring community has been awarded £4,990 for artists' fees and materials, while at Bewdley High School, an initiative to set up an after-school sports club for young women at the school providing a trampoline, football equipment, coaching in football and dance and coaching courses for PE teachers is to get £4,425.