THREE community groups in Lydney have been picked as worthy winners of the £1,500 McCarthy & Stone Community Causes Appeal.

"Having received many applications from worthy causes, it was eventually decided that the Forest of Dean Sea Cadets, Forest of Dean Age Concern and the Victoria Centre would be the lucky winners," says a McCarthy spokes­man.

Daphne Pearson, chairman for the Forest of Dean Age Concern, said she was thrilled with the donation.

"When we saw that McCarthy & Stone was looking for a community cause to support, I applied straight away. As we are not affiliated with Age UK, so we have to source our own funding and we are in desperate need of help as we need to refurbish our kitchen. 

"We supply over 700 meals per week to individuals and lunch clubs, so our kitchen is at the core of our activity."