AROMATHERAPY sessions for the elderly, self defence classes for the mentally ill, pads, gloves and face guards for cricketers and a set of metric scales are on their way to Bolton's army of volunteers.

The Health for Bolton Community Fund has distributed £12,498 to volunteer groups across Bolton in recognition of the work they do for the local community.

The fund was set up six years ago and is supported by the health authority and environmental health to promote healthy lifestyles across the borough.

Grants are made to support volunteer groups and among the schemes which received financial support was a grant of £500 towards the Sycamore Project, Farnworth.

The cash will be used to buy cocktail shakers, glasses and equipment for a non alcoholic bar in Farnworth town centre.

Margaret Lindow, a member of Greenbank Social Club, Horwich, is celebrating with other members of her exercise group after receiving £255 for exercise equipment.

The money will be used to buy bean bags and exercise mats for the hearty pensioners, who meet once a week.

Carers have also benefited from the fund.

They received cash to provide stress management training for care attendants and carers and money to buy electric circuit breakers to protect care attendants when they go to relieve full time carers in their homes.

Presenting the cheques to the 37 volunteer groups represented, Bolton's Mayor Cllr Peter Birch praised the unsung heroes and heroines who made up the audience.

And in his welcoming speech Ian McHugh, one of the leading figures in the administration of the Community Fund, said: "These grants are intended to reward and celebrate the work being done in local communities to promote good health."

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