TWO city family groups have enjoyed a really happy start to the new year after receiving a welcome cash boost.

WR5 Family Forum and Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) have shared a £1,000 handout received from The Co-op's Community Dividend Fund.

The forum, based in Ronkswood, encourages families to socialise and interact with one another and will use the £500 to fund transport to take families on day trips.

Member Helen Tiffney said: "Our project encourages families to spend quality time together and socialise with other families in their area.

''Thanks to the donation we can hire transport to take more than 100 people to visit new places they can experience and enjoy together."

PEAL is set to use its slice of the cash to recruit and train more volunteers who will provided one-to-one support for adults who have lost a child.

The Co-op's Mark Field said: "The fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and we are delighted to make these awards to such worthwhile organisations.

The Community Dividend Fund is possible thanks to the Co-op's customer loyalty card scheme, which allows shoppers to donate the extra pence in their twice-yearly dividend pay-outs to a variety of worthy causes.

lIf you are involved in a group that could benefit from a future award visit one of Worcester's Co-op stores to collect an application form.