CHARITIES across the county have been celebrating receiving a share of £1.3million National Lottery funding.

One of the major beneficiaries is Sight Concern Worcestershire, based in Worcester, that has been awarded more than £330,000. The money will be used for its work supporting people with sight loss to lead independent lives.

READ MORE: Lottery funding helps community projects in Worcestershire

And Community First in Worcestershire, which aims to develop community facilities has £100,000 for its project supporting village halls.

Meanwhile St Michael and All Angel Church in Great Witley, said they were pleased to receive £10,000, adding to funds already raised, to proceed with sustainable heating installation.

John Gorton, chairman of the Friends of St Michael, said: “We are grateful as without support we would be hard pressed to raise sufficient funds.”

Worcester Arts Workshop has received £9,958 that will be used to deliver a creative arts support programme to equip people to address mental health issues, and Malvern Cube has received £8,250 that will be used to install a room divider and a disabled toilet in the community centre.

Fernhill Heath War Memorial Club has been given £10,000 that it will use to refurbish the hall’s kitchen facilities, increasing the hall’s capacity to cater for community groups. Hereford and Worcester Scouts has received £10,000 which will be used to stage a Scout jamboree, St Michael’s Parochial Church Council has received £10,000 to remove an organ blower as part of a renovation, while St Andrew’s Church in Ombersley has also received the same amount to put on a festival of flowers, music and song for the community.

Barty’s Pre-School in Grimley has received £10,000 to install new playground equipment, while Severn Angels Housing has received £9,940 to develop resources to support young people who have experienced homelessness. St James CofE Primary School in Malvern has received £10,000 to resurface the school playground and Grimley Peace Hall Foundation has been given £9,238 to repair the village hall roof.

Kempsey Parish Hall has been given £10,000 to upgrade doors and windows of the hall, while Worcester’s Caravan Music has received £10,000 to create a Motown band. Ruckus in Worcester has £10,000 to deliver creative workshops, Worcester Community Trust has the same amount to redecorate community hubs, while Worcester Play Council has £10,000 to continue creating play opportunities. Worcester Arts Workshop has £9,958 for a creative arts programme, Worcester Snoozelen has £9,740 for a learning experience programme for children, and St Mary in the Cherry Orchard church in Worcester has £9,490 to install new toilets and a hearing loop.