THOUSANDS of pounds have been gifted to organisations working across Torfaen as part of a community council grant giving ceremony.

Pontypool Community Council held their annual grant giving ceremony this month at the Comrades Club in Pontypool, which aimed to help organisations with funding and running costs.

More than £23,000 was donated, with recipients ranging from sports clubs and arts organisations to charities.

Pontypool Community Council’s ‘grounds maintenance’ grants included Cwmffrwdoer Sports Club, Garndiffaith Bowls Club, Griffithstown AFC, New Inn Junior & Youth AFC, New Inn Seniors AFC, New Panteg RFC, Panteg Park Bowls, Pontypool Park Bowls, Pontypool Town AFC, Race AFC, Tranch AFC, Wainfelin Bluebirds AFC, West Monmouth RFC and

Fairfield United.

Core funding grant recipients included the Mic Morris Trust. The fund, set up between Torfaen County Borough Council and Gwent Police, supports young athletes in memory of Pontypool middle distance runner and Commonwealth Games hopeful Mic Morris, who died suddenly while training

Other core funding grants were awarded to Torfaen Carers, Pontypool Pacers, charity Age Connects. the Torfaen Museum Trust (which operates Pontypool Museum), disabled children's centre TOGS.

An annual sponsorship was awarded to Pontypool RFC and other grants were awarded to Bobath Cymru, Fforest Uchaf, Tenovus Cancer Care, Wales Air Ambulance, Art Regen and Cwmbran Diabetic Support Group.

The Gwent Federation of Young Farmers, Painting in Pontypool Park, The Royal Welsh Regimental Association, Torfaen Art for Fun and Kidney Wales also received grants.

Pontypool Community Council was founded in 1985 and is one of the largest community/town councils in Wales.

A spokesman for Pontypool Community Council, Bob Rogers, said: “So many local organisations and individuals rely on community council grants to provide much-needed services and amenities in our communities.

“It’s important that we continue our support, especially in times of hardship because these organisations make a real difference to the quality of life for so many local people.”