PENSIONERS Voice was among 33 community groups to be awarded grants by Wycombe District Council.

Cllr Bill Jennings, council chairman, presented cheques totalling more than £265,000 to representatives from voluntary organisations and groups at the Reggie Goves Centre, High Wycombe, last Wednesday.

The awards are given to groups who are seen to be in line with the the council's Strategic Plan and Objectives which sets out guidelines about issues such as equal opportunities and community safety.

Pensioners Voice, a campaigning organisation for the elderly, received £450 for its work improving facilities and raising awareness of issues affecting elderly people in High Wycombe.

Spokesman for the group, Alan Page, was delighted with the award.

He said: "We are very pleased with the ongoing support from the Council. They have helped us a lot over the past few years which allows us to continue campaigning and educating people about the aged."

The Citizens Advice Bureau received £160,955, which was £5,000 more than last year's total.

A spokesman for the district council said additional rent costs led to the increase.

Other groups awarded cash included the Wycombe Charity Carnival which received £1,000, Wycombe Youth Action received £10,570 and Wycombe Rape Crisis were awarded £1,210.