TWO community groups have been awarded more than £3,000 by Merseyside Police and the High Sheriff's Charitable Trust to help improve the quality of life for local residents.

The St Helens Community Safety Team received a grant of £2,500 towards buying and distributing personal alarms and crime prevention leaflets for elderly residents to reduce the risk and fear of crime.

The intiative is supported by the local police and health and social services.

And £760 was awarded to St Patrick's Youth Football Club in Newton-le-Willows.

The club was set up three years ago by local residents on the Common Road Estate to give youngsters access to organised sport.

The club has become a thriving part of the community with several teams, and now works closely with the local community officer PC Dave Byrne.

Neighbours say the club has played a major part in improving the general behaviour of the youngsters in and around the estate.