Community groups in the Norwich area are celebrating big funding boosts after discovering they are the latest recipients of donations from the Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All programme.

The National Lottery scheme offers grants between �300 and �10,000 to social and environmental projects that will benefit local communities.

One of the big winners was Norfolk Coalition Of Disabled People (NCODP), based in Framingham Pigot, which received �9,873 for a project which will see young disabled people design and launch a disability awareness roadshow and website.

The young people will visit schools to work with other young disabled people to promote positive messages of disability and increase confidence.

Chris Reddington, 18, a member of NCODP's youth forum, said: 'We're very grateful because it will make a massive difference to young people in Norfolk and greatly change the lives of young disabled people everywhere.'

Four other groups in the Norwich area received top-end donations.

Bowthorpe and West Earlham Sure Start Children's Centre has been given �9,985 to provide children with a range of multi-sensory equipment for its children's room and Lakenham Primary School received �9,975 to provide information on healthy eating and exercise classes to local families.

A newly-established voluntary group called Community Markup will use �9,420 to promote its services and hold a lunch event and St Michael's Junior School, in Bowthorpe, has been given �9,847 to create a sensory garden.

Go to www.awardsforall.org.uk or phone 0845 410 20 30 to apply for a grant.

Do you know of a community group starting a new project? Call David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk