In July the Evening Post invited local community groups and charities to register for the grants, which are sponsored by loans.co.uk.

First winners announced were a group of young women with disabilities, based at Walton-le-Dale Community Centre, who have a shared interest in music. The group is called Jjam At Your Own Risk.

Annie Bibby, 22, said: "We're all really excited that we are going to be able to go out as a group and do something different with music and go and see High School Musical 3."

Merriweather Home, on Fishergate Hill, is an 11-resident hostel for people aged between 16 and 25 which also scooped £500.

Spokesman Brian Evans said: "We won the award last year and we took them all to Go Ape in Cumbria and it was brilliant."

The next winners were from Lady Elsie Finney House, Cottam Avenue, Ingol – a 45-bed care home.

Hazel Jackson said: "It's a beautiful building and we've got beautiful gardens but we've no garden furniture for the residents. Obviously we won't get the use out of it until next summer but hopefully we might get a good purchase."

A grant was also awarded to the Preston Social Support Group for Deafened People, based at the Catholic Caring Services, Tulketh Road, Ashton.

Finally, Marilyn Gregson, from Preston Panthers, based at West View Leisure Centre, said: "The grant will be used for a fun day for Preston Panthers which is a multi-sports club for young people with disabilities."

Matt Ellis, of Loans.co.uk, said: "It's very important to invest in the local community, it's been great to meet these people."

>> Vote in our latest web poll