FOUR community groups in Redditch have been boosted by £10,000 of National Lottery Funding.

Almost £850,000 has been awarded to more than 30 community projects across the country, with £40,000 heading to four groups in Redditch.

Jestaminute Community Theatre will use the cash to fund their new pantomime, 'Oh Yes we can!', which celebrates the diversity of local people.

The grant will pay for professional staffing costs, venue hire, costumes and props, and will be performed near Easter 2019.

Director Jan Higgitt said: “Jestaminute Community Theatre are delighted to have received this.

“The inspiration of the project was the community itself.

“We will be working with Redditch East Aspiring Communities Hub – who work to raise the aspirations of the Redditch communities of Winyates, Church Hill, Matchborough and Woodrow – empowering them with the tools needed to make positive and lasting changes in their lives and in their community.”

Redditch Community Sheds has also received £10,000 to help run its woodwork sessions for retired men – a vital cash boost after losing their Age UK funding last September.

Founder Roly Duke said: “It is so helpful as now we can pay the rent for the next year. It will as be used for materials and things like paint and screws.

“We talk about all sorts of things too and we are a tight friendship group. We walk to each other which is good as blokes do not tend to do it.

“Without the people doing the lottery these sort of grants wouldn’t happen.”

Elsewhere wellbeing service Britten Street Hub have received £10,000 to refurbish a community building to support visitors and voluntary organisations.

Friends of Webheath Academy have been boosted by £10,000 and will use the funding for their Family and Community Centre, to support parent IT classes and develop computer skills.