Nearly £290,000 has been handed out to local community groups and organisations by Basildon District Council.

The council has acted as benefactors to more than 60 voluntary schemes, allocating grants of anything between £125 and £68,000.

Among the successful bidders were worthwhile causes such as the Basildon District Voluntary Carers, Basildon Dyspraxia Support Group and the Basildon Arts Trust.

Steeple View Community Association, Essex County Scout Council and Pitsea Running Club were also among the groups to benefit.

Basildon District Council portfolio holder for community and leisure, Anthony Hedley, said: "There are many voluntary organisations across the Basildon district that do wonderful and valuable work."

In the next year, Mr Hedley said the council would be looking to help organisations committed to tackling social exclusion and improving the quality of life of residents.

Anyone who wants to know more about grants should contact Dot Johnson at Community Services on 01268 294434.

Published Monday, June 23, 2003

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