COMMUNITY groups in Glasgow and the west of Scotland have been awarded £110,000 by bank giant Santander.

The awards are given to social enterprises and charities looking to grow their businesses and improve their local community.

Winners of the Social Enterprise Development Awards receive between £5000 and £20,000 to fund specific projects.

Graham Silcock, Santander regional director Scotland, said: "We hope the financial assistance and the support programme will help them reach their potential and increase their social impact."

Several Glasgow organisations were awarded grants.

Open Gates works to restore the lives of people who are disadvantagedthrough education, vocational training and work experience.

SoundSational Community Music uses the arts to bring people together and encourages social inclusion.

Common Wheel supports people living with mental illness by repairing and recycling old bikes.

Dumbarton Road Corridor Environment Trust delivers community-led sustainable regeneration in the west of Glasgow.

Eco Drama provides shows and education workshops on environmental issues for young children.

Next Step Initiative offers training, support and opportunities for individuals and businesses of Scottish African backgrounds.

Sapphire Gymnastics is a community gymnastics club which offers classes to all abilities.

Universal Comedy delivers comedy workshops for people who experience ill-health, depression and anxiety or employment problems.

Village Story Telling Centre is run by volunteers for the local community, and Indepen-dance is a runs creative movement classes,

Ayrshire Children's Services supports children aged six to 18 with additional support needs, and Delivered Next Day from East Kilbride is a courier service dedicated to allowing people with disabilities to become self-employed.

Reach for the Sky Basketball, also from East Kilbride, was set up to provide opportunities for young people through the sport.

ReUse It Furniture Re Use Project from East Renfrewshire is a furniture recycling project; and Talk Now from East Kilbride is a charity providing support to victims of sexual abuse.