A SHELTERED housing scheme is celebrating after it received £3,000 in funding.

Maltby Residents Association, which is based in Great Lever, was awarded the money as part of the Lloyds Bank Community Fund.

The association will use the money to extend its programme of activities and continue supporting its elderly and vulnerable residents.

It was set up in 1990 and supports local tenants with housing or repair issues, as well as running social events such as providing Christmas hampers and organising days out for the elderly.

Olwyn Cunliffe, chairperson of the association, said: “Over the last few years our association has gone from strength to strength, due to motivation, drive and team effort. The grant from Lloyds Bank will make a huge difference to our efforts."

Maltby Residents Association was one of three Bolton-based groups who were nominated for a share of funding by Lloyds.

Breightmet Wanderers AFC, a junior football club which was founded in 2009, received £2,000 towards new fencing for its football pitch.

The club currently has one adult team and seven youth teams.

Elaine Dolan, founder and club secretary of Breightmet Wanderers, said: "I'm very pleased with the amount. It means such a lot to us to get this money. Our refurbishment costs will be very high once we move onto this new plot of land, but this grant will go some way towards helping us cover these costs."

Precious Gems, a community organisation for those aged over 50 who want to share their arts and crafts skills, received £1,000 of the funding.

This will be used to help the charity reach more people and encourage more cross-generational skills transfer.

Chesham Fold Community Centre in Chesham Fold Road, Bury was also awarded a chunk of the funding, receiving £500.

The Lloyds Bank Community Fund is aimed at helping people improve their areas by giving grants to 1,400 local good causes in 350 communities.