THOUSANDS of pounds of council money will help voluntary and community groups in Winchester.

In a 'Dragons Den' style event nine out of 18 applicants who applied for funding pitched their ideas to Winchester City Council.

A total of £15,000 was distributed to projects by the panel of dragons at Winchester City Council’s first unique Funders’ Den. The event was supported by Community First Winchester and co-funded by Tent on the Green and Winchester City Council.

Winners on the evening were KIDS, they provide a wide range of support services to disabled children, young people and their families. # KIDS pitched for funding to enable the training of young facilitators in the Winchester area.

Cllr Steve Miller, Portfolio Holder for Estates & Community Grants said: "Local voluntary organisations were able to walk away with their grant award on the night. Organisations networked and learnt about other group activities in our district. WINnovation is one of the many ways in which we award our grant monies throughout the year."

Funding and development officer, Winchester City Council Melissa Fletcher said:"This funding stream generated a lot of interest and is a unique and interactive way to award our grant monies. It was fantastic to see that people were genuinely pleased when their pitching efforts were rewarded."