Six groups across Keighley and South Craven are to receive a cash boost.

They have each been awarded £500 by Skipton Building Society’s Grassroots Giving community initiative.

A shortlist was drawn up from over 1,000 applications nationally to the scheme and the public was then invited to vote for its favourite, with the top 160 being selected.

David Cutter, of the building society, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed running this programme, which has brought out of the woodwork so many hard-working local community groups.

“It is these kind of groups that make communities and neighbourhoods stronger, especially in difficult economic times, and we’re delighted to have been able to showcase some of the unsung heroes who are really going the extra mile.”

Among the winners are the Friends of Park Wood, who will use the funds to buy tools.

Chairman Eric Yaffey said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be awarded the money, which will help us with our work conserving the wood.”

The group, formed about a year ago, has around ten active members who meet monthly at the site to carry out conservation projects.

“Park Wood is Keighley’s greatest treasure,” said Mr Yaffey, 46, of Thwaites Brow.

“Our work there has ranged from repairing part of a dry stone wall to picking up lots of litter and we are currently clearing gullies either side of a path.”

Other local recipients include Strike Taekwondo, which organises taekwondo classes for all age groups.

Chief instructor Lisa Winteridge said: “We want to allow students the most accurate form of training to prepare them for competition. We’re overwhelmed to receive this donation, as now we can be certain we can do this.”

Cowling-based Craven Dragons Netball Club is also a winner. Coach Anna Sheryn said: “We have approximately 40 girls on roll and now we can invite teams from other clubs and schools as a result of this donation, plus involve more younger children.”

Others to receive grants are Airedale Hockey Club, The Friends of Middleton and Ickornshaw and Branching Out Keighley, an eco-gardening project for the elderly and those with dementia and mild learning difficulties.