Cash boost for voluntary groups

Voluntary and community groups in Wiltshire will receive £2.4m in funding from the county council next year.

This is a yearly increase of 2.8%, said the council.

More than 500 organisations - including the local NSPCC, Age Concern and the Wiltshire Blind Association - will receive the cash.

Councillor Judy Seager said: "Voluntary organisations and local groups provide valuable services to people across the county.

"They help so many in so many different ways from providing social activities for people who may be isolated or lonely, to helping people with disabilities lead an independent life."