COMMUNITY projects and events have been given a much-needed cash boost after a parish council awarded thousands of pounds worth of grants.

Blackbird Leys Parish council awarded seven groups grants of between £1,424,23 and £3,750 at a meeting last week.

Among the causes benefitting are the Church of the Holy Family, the Oxford Polish Association and the Leys Festival.

Chairman Gordon Roper said there had been some difficult decisions to make with requests far-surpassing the money available.

The money is raised through a share of council tax and is one of the most important things the council does, according to Mr Roper, who previously warned the money would be lost if the parish council had to fold due to a lack of volunteers.

He said: "We try to help everybody whenever we can.

"It's a real life-line for some of these groups, some of which wouldn't survive without the money they get from us."

The Blackbird Leys Academy Trust were given £1,500 towards buying a climbing frame to help children at the Two by Two project in Windale School with their development.

With a life-span of 15 years the new piece of equipment could benefit nearly 500 children.

Organiser Karen Hopkins said: "The parish council gave us the money to start the project in the first place and it has already made such a difference to the lives of children on the estate."

The council also awarded £1,500 to help stage 'Sisters Act too', a musical set in Blackbird Leys starring people from the estate which will be held in the Church of the Holy Family.

The Clockhouse Project was another beneficiary, getting £1,500 to help pay to transport older people to the centre in Long Ground, Greater Leys

Dawn Williams, from the Clockhouse Project, said: "Our aim is to continue to develop activities and work with other organisations to support older people who are isolated and lonely and too nervous to come to us already.

"We're aiming to have a book club and art class and start health walks this year.

"I'd just like to say a big thank you to the parish council for all the support they have given us."

The Leys Festival will hold another event to bring people together this summer, thanks to a £3,750 grant.

It needs extra funding after money from other sources was lost.

Oxford Polish Association were given £1,370 to help hire rooms to hold activities and reading charity ARCh were given £1,535.00 to help children on the estate with their reading.

The final grants were £1,424.23 to Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground and £2,000 to the Leys Information Technology Zone