THREE organisations in Gwent have been awarded £11,970 to go towards community-based projects in the latest round of the Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All programme.

Cwmbran Workman's Retirement Association received £2,500, Llanyrafon Manor Community Group received £4,480 and A Different Beat, Monmouthshire, received £4,990.

Around 43 community-based projects across Wales have been given a share of the £164,203 awarded under the latest round of the Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All small grants programme.

A Different Beat will use the £4,990 to deliver 28 sensory workshops for adults, young people and children with learning difficulties in Monmouthshire and Powys.

The sessions will improve communication, confidence, positive changes in behaviour and development of motor and cognitive skills. The project meets the Awards for All Wales aim of improving the quality of life.

The grant will fund workshops, travel costs, professional fees, insurance, evaluation costs, advertising and promotional materials.

Lynn Kay, from A Different Beat, said: "It will enable us to provide multi-sensory music workshops to people who could not otherwise take part in live arts activities due to a combination of poverty, rural isolation and disability."

Cwmbran Workmans Retirement Association will take members on a series of outings. The project meets the Awards for All Wales aim of improving the quality of life.

The grant for £2,500 will fund transport and entrance costs.

Llanyrafon Manor Community Group will encourage local people to participate in a scheme to grow and share crops in the community garden by installing a greenhouse to expand their choices of crop and extend the growing season.

The project meets the Awards for All aim of 'extending access and participation'. The grant for £4,480 will fund purchase and installation of a greenhouse, 2 water butts and gardening tools.

Gareth Williams, Awards for All Programme Manager for BIG in Wales, said: "Awards for All is having a positive impact throughout Wales.

"Money is helping to establish groups, societies and clubs, promoting learning, increasing volunteering opportunities and helping to build stronger communities."