North Herts Council has awarded more than £4,000 to three community groups, following a conference in Hitchin.

The funding, recommended by the Hitchin Community Forum in June, was granted to Hitchin Triangle Gardens, Herts Vision Loss, and the Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse.

Hitchin Triangle Gardens was given £1,612 to back the Triangle Tribe Bushcraft for Wellbeing sessions.

Chair of trustees at Hitchin Triangle Gardens, Vicky Wyer, said: "We’re delighted to have been awarded this grant - the young people and families who attend Triangle Tribe get so much out of the outdoor skills sessions each month."

Herts Vision Loss, based in Welwyn Garden City, secured £2,000 to support the initial five sessions of a new Sight Life social group for visually impaired residents.

CEO Clement Musonda said: "This funding is vital in enabling us to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for blind and visually impaired residents to connect, share experiences, and access essential services."

The Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse received £550 towards facilitating a Youth Showcase event to celebrate local youngsters' talents.

Club secretary, Alan Doggett, said: "Working in partnership with NHC has helped create an event now in its second year that has been well received by the community."

The next Hitchin Area Forum is scheduled for September 17.