COMMUNITY organisations across Worcestershire are celebrating after being awarded over £1.2 million in National Lottery funding.

Among the organisations to benefit is Disability Sport Worcestershire, which has been given £9,650 to set up a wheelchair rugby club in Worcester.

The funding will be used to buy special wheelchairs and to train coaches at the club, which will be based at Perdiswell Leisure Centre.

Kimberly Grenfell of the group said: "“Thanks to National Lottery players, people will be able to take part in an exciting sport that is accessible to all. Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome to come along and have a go.

"We’ve held taster sessions over the past few months that have been so popular, where we’ve seen families, carers and friends all get involved. It’s a fantastic way of bringing people together to socialise, get fit and learn new skills.”

Evesham Bowling Club has been given £10,000 towards new kitchen units and toilets and the Garage Art Group, also based in Evesham, another £10,000 to stage art workshops and exhibitions for people with disabilities.

Poolbrook Village Hall, Malvern, got £10,000 to insulate the building and install new toilets, and the Holy Redeemer Church, Pershore, got £10,000 to weather-proof its community hall.

Flyford Flavell School got £10,000 to install an outdoor play area, and the Wallace House Community Centre, Evesham, got £9,997 to run its community activities.

Hartlebury Church of England Primary School got £9,925 for outdoor gym equipment, and Malvern-based What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful got £9,900 to upgrade kitchen facilities.

ASPIE Limited, Worcester, got £9,850 to create a decision-making application for people living with autism, and Friends of the 5th, also of Worcester, got £10,00 to provide camping and outdoor equipment.

Oasis Academy, Warndon, got £9,610 to build a sensory garden, and The Word Association, Worcester, £9,580 to encourage creative writing by those experiencing mental health problems.

Age UK Worcester and District got £9,575 to develop a new space for music and sports activities for older people.

Pershore Volunteer Centre got £9,450 to update IT equipment and Sight Concern Worcestershire got £9,264 to improve its website.

And Direct Sports Proactivity CIC got £9,000 for school holiday sports activity camps.