WILTSHIRE projects aimed at improving health and wellbeing have been awarded up to £2,000 by the county's Healthwatch group.

Among the organisations to benefit from the Community Cash Fund money are Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The charity's Wellbeing at the Orchard scheme helps tackle poor mental health through conservation sessions, wild cooking and nature based crafts.

Rowden Hill Surgery, Chippenham, will use its funding to set up a choir for patients with respiratory conditions.

Healthwatch Wiltshire manager Stacey Plumb said: "We were delighted to receive such a high number of applications and it was a really tough job deciding who should receive funding.

"We're really excited to be supporting these incredibly worthwhile projects and are looking forward to following their progress in the months ahead."

Three other projects won cash. Anybody Can Cook will run healthy eating courses for families on a low income at children’s centres in Chippenham and Corsham. Pound Arts Centre and Rewired Counselling will host a two day event for schoolchildren. Wiltshire People 1st will launch a dance group for adults with learning disabilities.