KNUTSFORD Town Council has awarded the first community grants of the new financial year.

Three organisations received funding from the council’s community grants budget, which this year is £7,000.

The first grant went to ‘Community Spirit’, which received £2,938 towards a variety of projects in Longridge and Shaw Heath including the Longridge and Shaw Heath ‘in bloom’ projects as well as a youth camping trip and the annual family fun day.

The Canute Lunch Club also received £400 to help towards the running costs which have increased recently due to a change of venue.

The funding will help towards the celebratory events held by the Lunch Club for Christmas, Easter and a summer outing.

Great Places Housing Group was awarded £1,328 towards the “My World” project which introduced Year Six pupils to the world of work whilst developing their life skills and aspirations for the future.

Adam Keppel-Garner, town clerk, said: “The Town Council is delighted to be able to support the fantastic community groups we have in Knutsford and encourage organisations to apply for funding from us when needed.”

The council is inviting community organisations to apply for grant funding via its website; with applications considered by the finance committee.

The deadline for the next applications is Thursday, June 9. The remaining grants budget is £2,334 and organisations are encouraged to contact the town clerk for advice on applying or to find out future deadlines.

In addition to its community grants, the council has also provided £10,260 to Knutsford In Bloom’s work to make the town floral and enter into the North West in Bloom contest and provided funding of £6,000 towards the Heritage Centre’s Canute celebrations.