Witney Town Council pledged almost £100,000 in grants to community groups and organisations to spend on projects which benefited the town's residents last year.

The council pledged £98,000 during the 2023-24 council year, using its community grants scheme and offering subsidised hire of public spaces.

Recipients of some of the larger grants included West Oxfordshire Community Transport, to help fund the Witney town bus service, and the Station Detached Youth Service, which supports young people.

Home Start, which supports very young children and their families, and Witney Music Festival were two of the other organisations to receive relatively large grants.

Smaller grants were provided to schools, community gardening groups, Witney Buttercross Scouts, Windrush Bike Project, Witney Museum, Witney Pride and many more.

Councillor Ruth Smith, leader of Witney Town Council, said: "The town council is uniquely placed to fund projects that try to fill the gaps in our community.

"We are particularly proud to fund meaningful innovations for our young people, our more vulnerable residents and our town's nature and biodiversity.

"In the council's 50th year, look out for the rich and wonderful breadth of community groups that share their work in the forthcoming 50 for 50 grants."

To mark its 50th year, the town council has launched a £50 for 50 scheme, offering £50 grants to up to 50 smaller groups.