DISABLED people can now enjoy playing sport more often, thanks to a generous donation from Newsquest.

A cheque for £3,270 was presented to Disability Sport Worcester (DSW), after the charity applied for funding with the company's annual grant scheme.

The cash is already being put to good use, with charity staff ordering a variety of equipment for sports such as boccia, curling and badminton.

The donation means that groups such as Headway, Aspie and Acorns can keep equipment to use whenever they like - not just during weekly sessions run by DSW.

Andy Wheeler, development officer at the charity, said: "It is of huge benefit. Suddenly their physical activity levels are going up more than just the one hour - they are doing it two, three, four hours a week.

"The benefits of being more physically active are huge. Not only are they fitter, their alertness is better, it has a positive impact on health issues which reduce the pressures on the NHS, but also the confidence they gain from being a bit fitter and the mental health improvement is documented.

"There is so many benefits just by increasing activity."

Funding has also been given to The Myriad Centre in Worcester, which will use its £10,000 to buy an inflatable sports arena.

The two grants make up just part of the £40,000 Newsquest is handing out to charities in communities across the Midlands and Gloucestershire.

Other titles handing out grants are the Halesowen News, Redditch Advertiser, Kidderminster Shuttle and the Gloucestershire Gazette.

The Gannett Foundation UK, which makes the grants, retains a modest reserve to cater for urgent applications until the next round of awards in November 2017.

Applications can made through any local Newsquest Media Group editor.