There was good news this week for a number of organisations receiving cash donations from Watford Council’s Small Grants Fund.

Among the groups receiving funding was the The Friends of Oxhey Park who received £640, which wiill pay for the installation of a "trash boom" in the River Colne to stop litter from becoming trapped in the banks.

Chairman of the group, Sandy Belloni, said: "This grant has helped us to try something positive. If people don’t see rubbish in the river, they are much less likely to throw it in. It sounds obvious, but it’s true."

Sandy used to collect litter from the river by hand. He hopes that the money will benefit the area.

Other grants included Oxhey Village Environment Group, which was awarded £2,000 to help meet costs of their annual fair, and Friends of Harwoods Adventure Playground, granted £594 towards a ‘Big Lunch’ event.

NYSA Projects, an arts company granted £2,000 to host two musical puppet shows and art workshops in the near future. The aims of the show are to involve more young children in the arts and promote healthy eating.

Major of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: "This is a great resource for local groups hoping to make a real difference to the community."

The Small Grants scheme allows non-profit organisations and charities to apply for grants up to £2,000 for equipment, to organise and event or to launch an initiative to benefit the community.

Non-profit organisations can apply for a grant by visiting www.watford.gov.uk/smallgrants or by phoning 01923 278319.