Building society puts back into community.

THE charitable foundation of Coventry Building Society handed out pounds 7,000 in community grants at a recent ceremony.

The foundation distributes about pounds 50,000 a year in sums up to pounds 3,000 to small charity groups within the areas the society has branches.

Holy Cross Community Centre, Beauchamp Road, Birmingham, was given pounds 1,000 towards a gardening club for all age groups including those with disabilities.

The cash will go towards buying planters which will grow vegetables to be used in the centre's kitchen.

Narthex, St John's church, Sparkhill, received pounds 2,000 towards medical supplies for its work supporting low-income families and other disadvantaged groups.

Solihull Shopmobility was given pounds 2,000 to replace old wheelchair and electric scooters.

And Home Start in Sutton Coldfield was also given pounds 2,000 to support its work helping vulnerable families. The cash will be used to buy educational equipment to stimulate babies and toddlers with special needs.

Foundation chairman Mike Judge said each application had been carefully assessed and he was sure each recipient would get "the maximum income from what was given."

CAPTION(S):

VALUABLE WORK... Trustees of the Coventry Building Society charitable foundation with the recipients of the awards totalling pounds 7.000.