Voluntary organisations in Horwich and Blackrod benefitted by £5,500 when the Rotary Club of Horwich held its own version of Dragon’s Den.

Groups had to pitch for funds at the annual event held at Horwich RMI and 11 were successful, receiving £500 each.

Ian Savage, head of media relations at the University of Bolton, rotarian, former teacher Bill Watkins and freelance journalist and media consultant Angela Kelly were the 'dragons'.

The groups made presentations to the panel about their work before learning whether their bids were successful.

As a result,Horwich Community Choir will now be able to present a joint concert, Music Lives On, with the Worsley Concert Band thanks to their grant.

Young people from the 6th Horwich scout group received a grant towards the costs to attend an international jamboree in Sweden. A grant allows Horwich RMI cricket club to buy a defibrillator to help players, visitors and local people.

Rivington and Blackrod High School’s successful Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, currently involving more than 100 youngsters a year, received £500 towards buying vital equipment.

And the immediate future of the well-known clock at St Katharine’s Church in Blackrod – which has served the village faithfully for 80 years – has been assured with the cash help.

Blackrod Sports and Community Centre’s remarkable work with local vulnerable and disengaged young people received a grant boost to pay for sports equipment.

At St Elizabeth’s Church in Horwich, the installation of a ramp to help local disabled people attend services and events took a step nearer with a rotary grant.

Local people with dementia and their carers will be helped, thanks to a cash grant to the Blackrod Sunday Activity Group and its new Friday group. And Bolton Stitch and Textile Group were given cash help with its new community-based stitching project, using the principles of Stitch Meditation.

The Independent Events Team of St Elizabeth’s Church received a grant for banners, leaflets and medals for its community sports day on August 20.

A-level performing arts’ students at Rivington and Blackrod High School will now get professional lighting for their performance of Kindertransport this month after their moving presentation to the Dragons.