Cherwell District Council has announced that more than £170,000 in grants will go to 21 voluntary groups this year.

The money will help fund organisations that provide key social needs for Cherwell residents.

The groups include Banbury Old People's Club, Banbury Race Equality Council, Banbury Home-Start, and CRUSE Bereavement Care.

The grants also include £116,000 earmarked for advice services such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington.

Two Banbury family groups will receive a share of an additional £25,400. They are the Grimsbury Family Association and the Britannia Road Family Centre.

Cllr Lawrie Stratford, CDC's executive member for community planning, corporate strategy and IT, said: "The work done by voluntary groups in the district never ceases to amaze me.

"Allocating the money was not easy, but I am pleased the council can assist the voluntary sector with such grants. In this way we can help a wide range of groups."