A total of six charity groups which received cash grants from the Community Foundation for Shropshire and Telford were “an inspiration” to others.

Shropshire’s Vice Lieutenant, Colonel Edmund Thewles, paid tribute to them at a grants award ceremony held at RAF Shawbury on Monday.

“There is a vast amount of voluntary work that goes on in this county. They are truly inspirational,” he said at the event aimed at persuading individuals and companies to give their financial backing to the Community Foundation which distributes grants to causes.

Among a number of organisations to benefit was A Chance to Dance, a Shrewsbury and Telford group which gets Alzheimer’s sufferers dancing.

Dance tutor Roberta Ward-Smith told how one elderly patient smiled “for the first time in a very long time” while doing the hokey-cokey – a tune which enabled him to remember times gone by.

CRUSE volunteer June Middleton told how a Comic Relief grant distributed by the Community Foundation would help them expand their bereavement counselling to young people which received 1,500 Shropshire calls last year. While The Connected Group’s Paul Stocks said that with £200 from the foundation they had managed to set up meetings for people suffering devastating brain injuries. A further £990 grant helped to double its members and give support to sufferers and their families.

Dorothy Hughes said the Friends of Apley Wood had gone from strength to strength after receiving £80.

The 56 acres of Wellington woodland is now a haven offering respite for visitors from the nearby hospice and Princess Royal Hospital. The group plans to widen the paths to assist visitors in wheelchairs.

Mike Lowe, chairman of the Community Foundation, said: “Life is difficult for voluntary organisations. We need the support of the people and businesses of Shropshire to continue the good work which has been going on for so many years.”

For more information about how to make a donation, contact Lynne Carney at the Community Foundation on (01952) 201858 or e-mail contact@cfst.co.uk or visit www.cfsat.org.uk