EIGHT organisations across East Cambridgeshire have received county council grants to help them with running costs over the next year. Cambridgeshire County Council s cabinet agreed half a million pounds in grants across the county for voluntary groups,

EIGHT organisations across East Cambridgeshire have received county council grants to help them with running costs over the next year.

Cambridgeshire County Council's cabinet agreed half a million pounds in grants across the county for voluntary groups, including nearly £25,000 in East Cambridgeshire.

Littleport Day Centre - a drop-in centre for the elderly offering bingo and regular hot meals - is among the organisations named on the list. It is to receive a £1,500 grant.

Monica Frost, chairman and volunteer at the centre, said the service was dependent on regular county council grants.

"It will cover running costs - everything from the telephone, heating and transport.

"It's the only grant that we get."

She said the remaining costs were met through fund-raising activities.

The East Cambs Family Project received the biggest grant, a total of £7,061.

Co-project co-ordinator Linda Dicker said: "Without the grant we would be finishing on March 31."

Based in Soham, the project has offered a range of support services to families across East Cambridgeshire over the last 15 years, including help and advice on issues like debt, drugs and diet.

Other groups to benefit from grants include East Cambridgeshire Access Group, which will receive £1,000 to continue its work promoting access to information, services and buildings.

Ely SOFA - which reconditions second-hand furniture for re-sale at affordable prices - has received a grant of £3,000, and Ely and District Stroke Club will receive £1,000 towards its running costs.

Barns Community Rooms in Ely has received £4,653 and Ely Diocesan Committee has been given £3,723.

EARTH - the Ely-based horticultural group staffed by volunteers received a grant of £3,000.

County council cabinet member for community learning and development and adult social care, councillor Fred Yeulett, said: "The help, assistance and support of voluntary organisations operating throughout East Cambridgeshire is vital to the work of the county council.

"We recognise the valuable contribution they make to the work of the council across the board and are determined to support them in every way we can, including giving them as much financial aid as we can.