Four voluntary organisations in Watford and Three Rivers have been given a financial boost by their county councillor.

A support group for vulnerable families, a subsidised furniture recycling charity, a diabetic families help group and a children’s music competition, all received cash injections of up to £1,500 by their Rickmansworth County Councillor Barbara Lamb.

The funds were raised using the locality budget scheme under which county councillors are allocated £10,000 each to divide up among local worthy causes.

Councillor Lamb said: "I am pleased to be able to help these four important causes financially.

"I value and admire the work they do, supported by their local volunteers, and I add my personal thanks to them.

"I am aware that their work makes a difference to the health and welfare of the community."

Home-Start Watford and Three Rivers - a group that supports vulnerable families - was one beneficiary who was given a £1,500 grant by Councillor Lamb. This will ensure at least one more local family will benefit from a volunteer's help.

The group provides families, that have at least one child under five, with a volunteer for two to three hours a week.

Manager Vivienne Davies said: "Often these households are suffering from isolation, depression, financial or relationship problems. We were delighted to have been given the money because Home-Start is an enormous help to families.

“Our volunteers are the most dedicated generous supportive and caring people and they make a huge difference to the lives of families."

Rickmansworth-based 9 Lives furniture was granted £1,000, Watford and District Diabetes Family Support Group received £700 and Rickmansworth Young Musician of the Year, a longstanding music competition for local children, was awarded £500.