A COLLECTIVE £25,000 cash boost was given to community groups and organisations in Bridport.

Representatives from the groups received their cheques from Bridport mayor Geoff Ackerman at a grant awards ceremony.

All the grants were distributed by Bridport Town Council at Mountfield.

The mayor said: “I was very pleased to present the grant cheques to the many and varied groups that the council supports.

“It was very interesting to hear at the presentation ceremony how the various grants would be used.

“Through its annual grants budget, the town council continues to support the larger organisations – the arts centre, leisure centre, museum and Citizens Advice Bureau – but is also able to assist smaller groups with funding for specific projects that benefit people in the town.”

Among the smaller groups benefiting were St Catherine’s Pre-school with £250 for china, a rug, cutlery and waterproofs.

The 1st Bridport Brownies received £250 for indoor camps while Age UK based at Chancery House received £1,000 for an alarm system.

Bridport Leisure Centre benefited to the tune of £4,000, the Bridport Arts Centre received £6,250, while Bridport Museum was given £3,050.

Assistant curator Margaret Milree said the money will go towards the long-term sustainability of the museum, community involvement with the museum’s services and will help pay for utilities.

It will also go towards conservation supplies and the promotion and advertising of items loaned to the museum.

Mrs Milree said: “The museum and staff are very grateful for the support.”