Sevenoaks District Council has announced a new tranche of grants to charity and voluntary groups in the area.

A total of £154,675 is being distributed. The largest part - £103,540 - will go to the Citizens’ Advice services for Edenbridge and Westerham, and for north and west Kent, which includes Sevenoaks and Swanley.

In addition, both the Sevenoaks District Arts Council and the Sevenoaks District Sports Council will receive £2,500.

Grants totalling £51,135 are being made to 19 groups who support volunteers, run community transport, help older people and people experiencing mental health problems or assist families across the district.

Among the organisations that will benefit are West Kent Mind (3,322), Imago (£3,500), Eden Christian Trust (£1,750), North West Kent Volunteer Centre (£4,301) and Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (£5,000).

This year, several new charities and groups have been granted funding for the first time. They include Baby Umbrella (£4,307), an organisation providing online and face-to-face support to vulnerable families and new parents in Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas.

Another new organisation is The Layberry Foundation (£2,000), which provides mentoring for young people who have been in care.

The council’s cabinet member for people and places, Cllr Lesley Dyball said: "After an unprecedented year, I am really pleased we can offer much needed support to the incredibly valued voluntary and community sector across the Sevenoaks District.

"The last year has hit everyone hard, but charity and volunteer organisations have really struggled to stay afloat."

Cllr Dyball said: "Residents’ wellbeing is one of our top priorities and our grants allow these wonderful charities and groups to continue helping our most vulnerable residents."

Read more: All the latest news from Sevenoaks