ALTON mayor Dean Phillips has revealed details of the 11 organisations who have been awarded funding from the Mayor’s Community Fund for 2018.

At the beginning of his term of office, Mr Phillips announced that, in a break from tradition, instead of naming his chosen charity for the year he would combine all of his fundraising efforts into a single “pot”, so that he could distribute the funds across a larger number of good causes in the town.

A total of £2,160 was awarded following a meeting of the community fund panel last Wednesday.

Panel member Pat Lerew said she was “delighted to be able to help a huge variety of charitable groups whose work benefits the people of Alton and in particular was pleased to be able to support the Princess Royal Trust who work with carers, who are our unsung heroes.”

In addition to the 11 organisations awarded funding, the panel agreed to award the remaining £160 to SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity, which the panel agreed was a worthy cause with a personal connection to the mayor.

Groups awarded funding:

* Wilson Practice PPG (for health promotion) - £200

* Alton Swimming Club - £200

* Alton Ramblers - £100

* Essenham Classical Music Festival - £200

* Princess Royal Trust - £200

* Walkers are Welcome - £100

* Alton Cricket Club - £200

* Alton Trampoling Club - £200

* Williams Syndrome Foundation - £200

* Alton Concert Band - £200

* Holybourne Theatre - £200

* Stillbirth and Neo-natal Death Charity - £160