A MICRO-enterprise project which helps empower communities across Worcestershire has received an award in a national competition.

The Community Catalysts’ Worcestershire Micro-enterprise Project supports local ventures and businesses that help older people and those living with a disability. It was one of six winners from 122 entrants to attend an award event in London.

The team accepting the award included representatives from Worcestershire County Council and local community enterprises. A prize of £5,000 was also awarded to each winner with an overall winner chosen by public vote getting a further £5,000.

The UK wide competition run by the Carnegie UK Trust celebrates groups and organisations that are empowering communities and putting wellbeing at the heart of their work.

Cllr Sheila Blagg, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, said: "The project started as a small pilot two years ago with a focus on Evesham, Pershore and Upton on Severn. The support it offered to the community was valued so much that its scope was extended to cover the whole county, stretching from Kidderminster to Evesham."

The funding comes on the back of the project entering into a UK wide competition run by the Carnegie UK Trust to celebrate groups and organisations that are empowering communities and putting wellbeing at the heart of their work.

Cllr Blagg added: "I am delighted. This is a well-deserved recognition and a tribute to all the hard work and dedication the team commit to the project."