COMMUNITY workers from Swindon have been awarded thousands of pounds of funding for special projects.

Three projects have won the award from the Wiltshire and Swindon's Millennium Awards Scheme, run by Community First and Voluntary Action Swindon. They are among 10 community innovators from the region who have each been awarded between £2,000 and £3,000 to undertake a project which will be of benefit to themselves and their community.

One of the award winners from Swindon is Martha Parry, whose project is to research the provision of a community diner for young people in the town. She said: "I am developing a business plan for a diner which would be run as a non-profit business with proceeds going back into the community. In the next six months I will be doing market research and if the project is viable then we can go ahead.

Other winners from Swindon were Khan Nawaz and Hasmukh Seth for a project to promote inter-cultural understanding. Mr Nawaz said: "We will use the money to hold three community celebrations throughout the year.

The other recipient from Swindon is Lyn Thompson for her project to provide single parents with DIY skills and an equipment loan scheme.

The winners are just starting their projects, which will be completed in six to nine months' time.

There is still chance to fund your own idea award winners will be chosen every three months until June 2003. Funds are available for projects which can improve the community, solve a local problem or provide a service.

Up to five individuals can jointly work on a single project and receive up to £10,000 for the group.

If you want to help Martha Parry with her project call her on Swindon 528095.