The Vale of Glamorgan Council has allocated more than £70,000 in Community Chest grants to sport and physical activity projects across the County.

Over 8000 participants are expected to benefit from the funding, which will help 55 different schemes.

Organisations were invited to apply for the money to contribute to the cost of a coach and volunteer education, purchase of equipment, marketing, initial facility hire and coaching for new activities.

As a result, 275 people will receive coaching, first aid and safeguarding training.

Nine of the projects will help develop opportunities specifically for women and girls. These include the Dinas Powys Athletic Football Club and the Wenvoe Wheelers.

Non-sport specific organisations were also successful in their applications, including The Intersensory Club and The Parkinson Welsh Football group.

The funding awarded will help provide access to physical activities for adults with disabilities.

Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, Cllr Kathryn McCaffer said: "We are delighted to have been able to support so many projects across the Vale. The money awarded will go toward supporting those delivering these services, and benefitting their communities.

"We all know that regular exercise is essential for our health and wellbeing, and so, we have a duty to make physical and sporting activities accessible for all.

"I'm pleased to see that much of the funding will go toward facilitating opportunities for those who face barriers when it comes to keeping fit, such as age, disability or gender."

The Community Chest scheme is funded by Sport Wales and managed locally by the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Sports Development team. Applications for the Community Chest grant are still open.

If you are an organisation interested in developing physical and sporting opportunities, submit your application before 19 March. If you'd like to discuss a potential project, please contact Karen Davies (Principal Health Living Officer) on 01446 704793 or [email protected].