DEPRIVED youngsters, a new pre-school and a university for retired people are set to benefit from thousands of pounds invested in grass roots community groups.

The cash has arrived from the National Lottery and been allocated to eight organisations in west Wiltshire aimed at increasing skills and the quality of life.

Among the beneficiaries are Trowbridge Town Council, which has received £5,000 for sports coaches for youngsters and £4,029 for a new pre-school in North Bradley.

Steve Nash, Trowbridge sports and development officer, said: "We have been very lucky here in west Wiltshire and received a lot of money but we have a lot of worthwhile groups."

The council is using the Lottery cash to pay for after school sports coaching in Seamore, Longfield and Studley Green.

Mr Nash said: "We will be offering these coaches to some of the estates that lack facilities and if they are popular it may be expanded to other areas of the town."

Over £4,000 has been given to a new pre-school in North Bradley, which it is planned will open in January.

Suzanne Nutman, who is chairman of the pre-school's steering group, said: "This has given us a real kick start and helped redecorate the classroom and pay our wages and rent for the first term.

"It means the hard work we put into fundraising in the summer can now be spent on equipment for the children."

The West Wilts University of The Third Age is a study group for over 300 retired people and now has £4,000 to pay for computer equipment and training. It will allow the group to produce promotional newsletters and posters.

Neville Easter, deputy chairman, said: "This money will help us buy computer equipment so we can reach more retired people interested in studying with us.

"At the moment we have a newsletter but this money will benefit us greatly."

Parenting support service SPLITZ runs a series of arts workshops and trips to galleries for lone parents in difficult circumstances and has received nearly £5,000.

Trowbridge Area Community Link Scheme will get £2,380 to spend on new computer software.

Nearly £4,000 has been given to the Textas Performing Arts Group and pupils at Margaret Stancomb Nursery and Infant School will benefit from £3,915 to pay for extra playground equipment.

The Awards for All scheme is financed by the National Lottery and is jointly run by Arts Council South West, the Community Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the New Opportunities Fund and Sport England.