CLUBS and community groups are celebrating grant awards made under a Malvern Hills Lions Club scheme, backed by the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter.

Groups benefiting include Hanley Swan Pre-School Playgroup, Upton Blues Festival and Harlequins Orienteering Club.

Grants are specifically designed for local groups and range from £100 to £400. The scheme is promoted through the Gazette and Reporter.

Lions' spokesman Brian Larner said groups chosen this time were those that benefited children and young people in the area.

Hanley Swan Pre-School Playgroup received a grant for child-sized tables and chairs.

Peter Buchanan, who runs 'How To Drug-Proof Your Kids' courses for parents in Malvern, said his grant would help provide books for 20 parents attending courses.

A £400 grant to the Harlequins Orienteering Club means the club will be able to buy and adapt a box trailer for storing and transporting equipment to orienteering events.

Lynden Hartman, of the Harlequins, said the trailer would display the Lions' logo as well as the Harlequins name, giving a visible presence on the road and at events.

A grant of £100 went to Upton Blues Festival to help fund workshops to run alongside musical events in July. The workshops will look at the origin of Mississippi Blues and the influence of English music on Blues, R 'n' B and rock and roll.

Holly Mount United Reformed Church received a £100 grant towards its summer play schemes. The church organises games and craft activities during the school holidays, including parachute Sundays, when a large parachute is used for games and storytelling.

The Lions will be distributing further grants totalling £1,300 to local clubs and groups next month.