COMMUNITY groups and aspiring sports stars have been handed grants to help them fulfil their aspirations.

Five groups and individuals have received a share of Wyre Forest District Council’s Xpression grant scheme, which is backed by The Shuttle and is aimed at supporting sports and arts groups in the area.

It also incorporates the Ray Mercer Sporting Foundation, set up by The Shuttle in 1995. The recipients were each awarded their share of £2,000.

Kidderminster-based Simply Limitless, who provide fitness classes for people aged over 60 and people with disabilities have been awarded £500.

Tina Sewell, Fitness Instructor at Simply Limitless, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant as it means we can purchase more equipment for the fitness sessions I teach that brings so many positive health benefits to the over 60’s age group.

“As this class is rapidly expanding we will be able to increase our sessions throughout the week to three.”

West Bromwich Albion FC academy player Mylo Hall has been awarded £400 to purchase football boots to aid his development at the club.

The 15-year-old said: “I am delighted and very grateful to Wyre Forest District Council for their support of an Xpression Grant, which will allows me to purchase a much needed pair of good quality all weather pitch boots to see me through to the end of the season.”

It is a double celebration for Someone’s Art group who, as well as moving into its new home in Offmore Farm Community Centre in Gray Close, Kidderminster, have been awarded a £400 Xpression grant.

Co-founder Sandra Weidrick said: “I am very happy this award is available to us at this time of celebrating the opening of the community centre, helping provide materials for the community to use for Arts and Crafts.

“Someone's Art facilitates art and crafts for the local Wyre Forest Community and upon moving into a new building which we will be calling Pine Tree Lodge, the award will provide us a much needed resources.”

Sam Annis, a 10-year-old skier will use his £300 grant to buy new equipment to help him compete in the upcoming British Championships.

He said: “I'm so excited to have won a Wyre Forest District Council XPression Award. It will provide me with competition skis and poles, top performing equipment is essential in the mountains to enable me to compete at the highest level in all weather conditions.

“I can't wait to get them as I'm competing at the British Championships in Tignes, France in March in Ski Slope style, Halfpipe, Rail Jam & Skiercross. I'd like to say a huge thank you to Wyre Forest District Council for supporting me.”

And the 9th Kidderminster Scout Group was awarded £400 to replace ageing equipment that is used on their regular expeditions.

The group, which is based in Spennells with around 130 members, are looking to purchase two new patrol tents.