Community organisations in Oxford are to benefit from more than £90,000 in grants to carry on their good work.

Oxford City Council’s executive board approved grants for 16 groups which had made bids for up to £10,000 each.

Among those to benefit were the arts centre Ark T, which received £8,344, South Oxford Adventure Playground, which received £8,000, and Leys News, which was awarded the full £10,000.

John Charlton, business and community development manager at Leys News, which is run by volunteer staff on a part-time basis, said: “We are delighted.

“One of the things we do is support other groups around Oxford to produce their own local newspapers.

“We train community journalists so they can move into paid employment.

“This funding has been absolutely fantastic and timely.”

James Grote, director of the Ark T centre, said: “What’s great about this grant is it’s an affirmation from the community.

“When you’re affirmed by the council you’re being affirmed by people who know you. It’s people saying your work is valued.

“This grant will enable us to run eight live gigs over the course of a year. This includes teaching young people how to manage a gig so you’re giving them skills as well as building confidence and self-esteem.”

Sheila Furlong, director of The Archway Foundation, was “delighted” with its £10,000 grant.

“We recognise that local government has had to make difficult decisions regarding these grants,” she said.

The Archway Foundation provides support to those affected by loneliness, but was recently hit by local government spending cuts.

“With this money we will be able to keep our existence.We will be able to recruit and train new volunteers to provide transport, and provide befrienders to those needing one-to-one support.”

Mental health charity Restore was awarded £3,000 for its annual Elder Stubbs music festival.

External relations manager Gemma Humphrey said:“It’s actually held on an allotment site.

“We have willow sculptures in the shape of dinosaurs, swing boats and last year people were queueing up for the pony rides.

“There is a focus on mental health issues and showcasing the talents of those with mental health issues.”

The festival will take place this year in Florence Park in East Oxford on August 18.

“Hopefully this year will be even better, and this money will be a big part of that,” Ms Humphrey said.

WHAT EACH GROUP RECEIVED Archway Foundation – £10,000 Ark T centre – £8,344 Blackbird Leys Credit Union – £10,000 Blackbird Leys Information Technology Zone – £5,000 Cutteslowe Community Association – £1,500 Cutteslowe Seniors – £500 Donnington Doorstep Family Centre – £10,000 Kids Enjoy Exercise Now – £6,000 Leys Community Development Initiative – £3,044 Leys News – £10,000 Oxfordshire Chinese Community and Advice Centre – £2,500 OXSRAD – £1,250 Oxford Friend – £3,000 Restore – £3,290 South Oxford Adventure Playground – £8,000 Wood Farm Youth Club – £10,000