FOUR community groups in the Forest have received a share of over £13,000 in grant aid from a supermarket chain.

Midcounties Co-operative has donated funds to a Coleford Guides company, Lydney’s Victoria Centre, Drybrook Rugby Football Club and a boxing club in Cinderford, as well as to five other Glouces­tershire community groups.

Among those to receive the grants were 2nd Coleford Guides and boxing club Forest Fighting Fit Gym. The Guides will be able to enjoy more regular camping trips, as the funding will be used to purchase a new trailer to transport camping gear, while members of the boxing club will have new boxing gloves and punch bags.

Funding has also been granted to members of the Victoria Centre, who will use it to provide regular hot lunches to senior citizens.

Mike Pickering, community and sustainability manager at the Midcounties Co-operative, said: “By awarding these grants to such a range of local groups, we can make a real difference to the whole community, supporting young people, sports players and the elderly.

“At the Midcounties Co-operative, we are dedicated to supporting the local community and the grants aim to help groups and charities continue to provide invaluable support to their members.”