Schemes needing of money to survive have received a financial boost thanks to the Ribble Valley Lancashire Local where a sub-group has decided how more thanr £13,000 would be spent.

Out of hundreds of voluntary, community and faith groups in the district, only 12 put forward applications for the much-needed cash.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside; Chipping Scout Group; Ribble Valley Girl Guiding; Read Cricket and Bowling Club and Henthorn and District Youth Activities Group were among those on the ball with the Local Gateway Grant applications.

Other groups applying included East Lancashire Advocacy Service, Wheels Within Wheels, The Weavers' Triangle Trust, the Diocese of Lancaster Youth Service, Local Effective Sustainable Solutions and a farm activity project part of the Lancashire North West and West Guide Association.

Lancashire Local Ribble Valley is led by County Coun. Christopher Holtom, who said: "The sub group decided to carry forward more than £2,800-worth of Gateway Grant into the next round of allocation. This will allow more groups time to come forward before September's deadline date for applications.

"These grants are very important. They provide money for community groups who are often on the breadline. But there was definitely a sense of disappointment as I feel a lot of local people are missing out on money because community groups are simply not plugging into the right networks.

"It may be the case these groups are not aware that this money is being given away in grants.

"But Lancashire Local Ribble Valley has tried to promote these grants in local forums, parish councils and libraries. But to no avail. It is very frustrating as I feel local groups, councils and ultimately the people their serve are missing an important opportunity."

The Lancashire County Council body awards grants to organisations supporting the well-being of society. The grants can be used towards project running costs, salaries and training.

The next meeting of Lancashire Local Ribble Valley will be on June 4th at Whalley Abbey at 6 p.m. Groups interested in applying for a slice of the Gateway grant allocation should do so before the end of September.