Seven voluntary groups, including an Over 60s and a history club will share more than £2,000 in awards from Lancaster City Council from its welfare grants fund.

Fairfield Over 60s Club (which received £400), Young at Heart (£400), the Friendship Centre at Lancaster Baptist Church (£222.63), Galgate History Club (£300), Lonsdale Arthritis Association (£200), the Good Companions, Lancaster (£350) and Caton and Brookhouse Friendship Club (£300) are the award recipients.

“These seven organisations are a major asset to the community and provide simple necessities to people who are not always able to provide for themselves,” commented Coun Fletcher, the Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for valuing people.

“The amounts of money we have been able to allocate may seem small but for many of the organisations even the smallest sums can make all the difference.

“I am very proud that we are able to support them in this way and hope our contribution can enable them to maintain the care and assistance they already provide.”