Small projects across Carmarthenshire and the Swansea Valley have received a big boost from National Lottery funding.

Organisations helping volunteers to achieve their potential and supporting elderly people in sheltered housing are among those benefitting this month from National Lottery Good Causes money.

Splat Development Cymru, an art and technology group based in Ammanford, will use £5,000 of Big Lottery funding to run a series of sessions to engage up to 500 children in new technologies.

The money will help fund Lego robotics, 3D printer, five tablets, construction materials, sessional worker fees and administration costs.

Cylch Hwyl A Gwaith in Ammanford has received a £4,955 grant to provide a series of activities for members to help prevent social isolation. The money will be used to help fund transport costs, theatre tickets, afternoon tea, accommodation and meals.

A £4,760 grant has been given to Cross Hands and District Old Age Pensioners Association to cover transport costs to be able to take members on a series of trips to places of interest.

Hafan Brynheulog Residents Association in Pontardawe will use their £3,795 grant to provide activities for their members and a grant for £5,000 has been handed to Pontarddulais and District Community Car Scheme Ltd who will use the grant to part-fund the purchase of a new disability car.

Kevin Griffiths, of the Community Car Scheme, said: “First can I just say a big thank you to the Big Lottery Fund for their continuing support. If it was not for the funding the community of Pontarddulais would not have been able to renew its disabled car or provide the service we have been providing for the last 25 years.

“The service we provide helps people of all ages and disabilities that cannot use conventional types of transport. We take people to hospital appointments, doctors, dentists, and shopping."

The awards are made possible thanks to money being set aside for good causes from National Lottery ticket sales.

The Big Lottery fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communisms across the UK.

Gareth Williams, Awards for All Programme Manager for the Big Lottery Fund in Wales, said: “Awards for All is having a positive impact throughout Wales.

“Money is helping to establish groups, societies and clubs, promoting learning, increasing volunteering opportunities and helping to build stronger communities.”