GRANTS totalling nearly £20,000 have been awarded to local charities and organisations by Didcot Town Council.

Citizens Advice Didcot is one of the major beneficiaries, receiving a £10,000 grant towards its running costs for 2017/18.

This will cover a tenth of the costs of running the service which advises residents on topics including benefits and health.

Members thanked the service for its 'valuable work' and noted that its funding need has remained the same, despite an increased demand from Didcot's rapidly growing population.

Two grants of £500 were also awarded to help stage a free Christmas lunch to people who would otherwise be alone and to the charity Revitalise to provide a two week break for disabled people and their carers.

The committee noted that 'breaks improve quality of life, reduce social isolation and help to prevent the breakdown of caring relationships' when deciding to give the money to Revitalise.

Sustainable Didcot and fundraising organisation Play2Give were also given a £9,000 grant towards staging a Summer Fayre next year.

The town council awards grants to support organisations and individuals who work for the benefit of the people of Didcot.

For more information see www.didcot.gov.uk/grant-aid.aspx.