VOLUNTARY and community groups in Preston are set to receive a cash boost as part of a £71,000 grant from Preston Borough Council.

Preston Disability Information Services Centre (DISC) will receive the lion's share of the cash with a grant for £10,730 to provide an information and advice service for the disabled.

Family welfare organisation Homestart will receive £8,721 to employ a part-time family support worker while £7,000 will go to Gift '92 so it can continue to collect and redistribute furniture to low income families.

Other organisations to benefit from the cash windfall include £4,360 for a crime prevention project at Ingol and Tanterton Action Group (INTAG), £400 to St Andrew's Pram Group to purchase play equipment and £2,575 to Victim Support toward the cost of a new worker.

The Jamaican National Association will receive £250 toward a cultural exhibition held at Harris Museum, Preston, and £5,000 will go to Preston's Gujarat Hindu Society. Last month the council recommended grants totalling more than £60,000 to 26 local sporting, leisure, artistic and community organisations.

Now, councillor Veronica Afrin is appealing for community and voluntary groups to come forward with further funding bids.

Coun Afrin said: "The council is keen to invest and support voluntary and community groups.

"We now have £71,000 available for grant aid and we are encouraging groups to apply."

Voluntary and community groups/organisations wishing to apply for funding should do so before May 1 this year.

For an application form and further information call Ayub Bapu on 01772 563961.