SCHOOLS and causes in the Basingstoke and Deane area have received a welcome boost from an organisation.

The Four Lanes Trust, a Basingstoke-based organisation, has given out its latest round of grants to a total of 15 groups in the area, with a total of nearly £11,000 being dished out.

A total of £10,702.27 was given out at the charity's March meeting to a variety of local causes, to help them continue in their efforts.

Over half the awards went to groups providing services and opportunities for children and young people.

These included resources for the Nursery at The Hurst and for Hatch Warren Infants.

Spotlight UK, who offer dance, drama and a wide range of other services to young people, were also supported, along with musical equipment for the Basingstoke Youth Orchestras and a new kayak for the young members of Basingstoke Canoe Club.

There were contributions also to the Kennet Way Park renovation in Oakley, the Forest School initiative run by Inspero and fitness equipment for the Tadley Youth Club in Newchurch Road.

One of the organisations that received one of the grants was the Basingstoke and Alton Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, based in Alton, but serving both Basingstoke and Alton.

The centre received a grant of £1,500 to help the centre to buy a recumbent exercise bicycle.

Chief executive at the centre, Sarah Quarterman, said: "We've been supported by the Four Lanes Trust in the past, and it is really nice to be supported by a local source. Our only other source of revenue comes from contributions of people who turn up to use the facility, which would not cover the cost of a new bike.

"With a lot of the people coming to use the facility being older, a recumbent bicycle is a lot easier for them to use.

"People come here to get specialist help following heart problems or with heart conditions, and using the equipment helps to improve their health."

The application for the June 2019 meeting of grants is now open.

Schools, charities and community organisations in Basingstoke and Deane can apply for a slice of the money for projects and ideas that need financial support.

To apply for the grants, contact trust director Bob Carr on e-mail at fourlanestrust@gmail.com or by phone on 01256 477 990.