GRANTS totalling up to £9,000 have been donated to nine local community groups in the Burnden and Tonge areas.

The funding has been provided by the Single Regeneration Budget Partnership which is seeking to improve the quality of life for the community in the areas.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington handed over cheques of £1,000 each to the successful groups during a presentation ceremony at the Friends Meeting House.

Activities supported include Friday Contact for drama therapy and production of play and pantomime, Hamara Group for a culture trip for socio-economically disadvantaged people, Haulgh Community Partnership venue for equipment for activities for young people, SKLPC for a computer system to enable people to learn new skills, Starkie Moor Lunch and Leisure Centre for the purchase of kitchen equipment, Thicketford Bereavement Support Group for training and information sessions and Tonge Sports Club for the provision of BMX bikes and children's opportunity group for transport.