Philip Dunne MP applauded the success of community groups in South Shropshire in securing funding grants through the Awards for All programme. This awards lottery grants for local groups. In the latest round of awards, projects in the Ludlow constituency have scooped over £58,000 from The Big Lottery Fund.

Mr Dunne said "I have previously raised my concerns that the Lottery has not given its fair share to rural areas. South Shropshire has done particularly well in this latest round of awards to community projects. It is a tribute to the enthusiasm and enterprise of our local community groups.

I encourage all local groups seeking funding to visit the website www.awardsforall.org.uk to see the type of projects this programme helps to fund."

Those benefiting locally from the latest awards include the Ashford Carbonel Village Design Statement Group, Gallery on the Move, Bishop's Castle Christmas Lights Festival and the village hall committees in Neen Sollars & Milson and Little Stretton."