BIRMINGHAM Airport has handed over more than £1 million to local good causes.

The airport revealed the milestone in the review of its Community Trust Fund, which hands over cash to community campaigns.

More than 500 projects near to the airport have benefited since the fund was set up in 1998 and last year the scheme handed more than £50,000 to worthy local projects.

Marston Green Councillor Alan Martin, who is Chairman of the Trustees, said: “The review illustrates just how vibrant and active the communities close to the Airport.

“It shows how many committed individuals there are, giving their time and energy to sustaining a huge variety of community groups.

“I know my fellow Trustees share my admiration of these people and my pleasure in being able to direct the airport’s funding in support of their work.”

Birmingham Airport CEO, Paul Kehoe, added: “There has been a lot of talk about ‘The Big Society’ recently, but we’ve been playing our part for more than a decade

“It’s impressive to see just how much fantastic work is going on out there and we’re committed to making sure we continue to work in partnership with local people. I would urge anyone who takes an active role in their community to take a look at the review and see if the fund can support them too.”

Projects that benefited last year included the Mini Eden project, which received a grant to install a solar-powered hot water system at its innovative community gardening and education project in Shard End. An award was also made to the 2030 Squadron, Air Training Corps, which is based in Sheldon and used the money to buy IT equipment.

Sports clubs also received grants, including Knowle Village Cricket Club, Water Orton Tennis Club and Bromford Lions Football Club.

Solihull Canoe Club used their grant to buy an indoor kayak training machine and Solihull Guide Dogs bought portable marquees for its fundraising events.

The Community Trust Fund Annual Review is available from www.birminghamairport.co.uk