THERE were smiles all around as hardworking community groups and charities were awarded a share of the £50,000 bumper Birmingham Mail and Comic Relief charity giveaway.

Red Nose Day Community Cash grants of £500 to £1,000 were available to small organisations in Birmingham and the Black Country which are reaching out and helping people who are living tough lives.

Dozens of groups applied for a share of the bumper pot.

After teaming up with the Birmingham & Black Country Community Foundation and carefully considering all the applications, the successful groups were selected.

The grants were awarded by a panel of judges who decided there was a beneficial impact on the lives of people who are excluded or disadvantaged through low income, rural or social isolation, age, disability, race, sexuality or gender.

Thanks to the money, activities such as trips out for children and carers, playgroups, gardening sessions, half term treats, sports, seasonal parties, first aid courses, fun days and many other life-enriching events will continue to run.

Sue Wicks, Comic Relief’s UK grants manager said: “It is fantastic to hear about all these local grassroots organisations in Birmingham that are doing great work to help people of all ages feel more included in their community.