A STOURPORT regeneration group is aiming to boost projects in the town by handing out cash grants through its Community Chest initiative.

A share of £23,000 is being offered to schemes aiming to improve the quality of life of people in the town.

Single grants of up to £500 could be awarded to pay for between 50 to 75 per cent of the total costs of individual projects.

Liz Durnell, Stourport Forward's programme manager, said: "This is a new opportunity for groups and projects to obtain funds and we hope that it will encourage even more people to become involved in community projects and generate even more new, exciting ideas.

"The application form is short and if anyone would like assistance in completing the form I would be very happy to assist them."

The first successful grant given through the initiative, which runs until December, 2007, was made to the annual Christmas event, The Three Kings Parade.

This year's parade and Christmas lights switch-on starts at 5.45pm on Friday, November 25. For the first time, the event will feature a special yuletide market and street entertainers.

Pete Roberts, who helps organise the event, said: "The money is very welcome and it was really nice of Stourport Forward to make this donation. This money will help pay some of the running costs because we do not have a kitty for the parade."

For more information or to apply for Community Chest grant, contact Liz Durnell on 07917 326561 or email liz.durnell@britishwaterways.co.uk