FOUR community groups from Monmouthshire are to benefit from the Lloyds Bank Community fund.

The initiative was set up to give grants to various community groups that contribute to the public in their area.

Both Archbishop Rowan Williams CIW Primary School and Longtown Mountain Rescue Team received £3,000 each while the Blaenavon Barracudas and the Monmouth Youth Project both received £300 each.

More than 2.3 million votes were cast by the public with the 1,332 good causes shortlisted in England and Wales. The public then voted for their favourites throughout September and October.

Graham Lindsay, group director, responsible for business at Lloyds Banking Group, said: "Lloyds Bank scaled up the Community Fund considerably in 2013 and in return we have had an incredible response from the public, which has resonated right across the country.

"We know that receiving a promotional boost and public support is as important as the financial investment and can have a sustained impact on groups' engagement with their local community over time.

"Congratulations to every community group that took part, we look forward to hearing about the difference being involved in the programme has made."

For more information on the community fund visit: http://www.lloydsbank.com/community">www.lloydsbank.com/community

fund.