COMMUNITY groups and small voluntary organisations in Halton could be in line for a cash boost.

Lottery grants of between £500 and £5,000 are being awarded to organisations planning a charity, arts, sports, heritage, health, environment, education or Golden Jubilee project.

The are invited to a National Lottery Awards for All presentation by Halton Council at the Auto Quest Stadium on Tuesday, October 9.

This is the first year that health, environment and education projects have been eligible for the grants.

Sandra Morrison, Halton Council's lottery officer will join the NLAA team to explain the scheme and how to apply.

Main priority will be given to groups who had an income of less than £15,000 on last year's accounts, or who expect to have less than £15,000 in their final year of operation.

Groups who have an income of over £15,000 can still apply, as can schools.

Among last year's successes was The Family History Society of Runcorn, which received £5,000 for research facilities, Halton Table Tennis Development Forum received £2,750 to help develop a disability programme and Hough Green Arts Project Group received £1,500 to produce a wall hanging for St Michael's CE Church on Ditchfield Road in Widnes.

Fantastic

Council leader, Cllr Tony McDermott, said: "There is a lot of fantastic work being done by voluntary and community groups in Halton that is deserving of lottery funding. I would encourage all those who think their project might be eligible for a grant to book a place for October 9 so that they don't miss this great opportunity.

Places for the presentation are limited. Interested groups should contact Denise on 01925-626828 before October 3.