GRANTS totalling £20,000 have been given to a range of voluntary organisations by West Somerset District Council.

Cabinet members approved the grants when they met on Monday after they were told those who had been refused cash could, largely, be helped through other council-backed sources.

Finance portfolio holder Cllr Colin Hill said: "To divide £36,000 of wishes into a £20,000 pot wasn't easy."

Grants were given to: Somerset Rural Youth Project £5,000, West Somerset CVS £5,000, AFLAME £3,000, Young Somerset £2,000, Age Concern £1,500, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group £700, Somerset Wildlife Trust £700, Forum 21 £750, Somerset Racial Equality Council £300, West Somerset Disability Association £250, Wiveliscombe Community Office £400, Watchet Over 60s Club £100, Exmoor Search and Rescue £50, Minehead Gateway Club £100 and Cutcombe Show £150.