WORTHY causes in Flackwell Heath are to benefit from a £3,600 cash boost after the village's Millennium Committee disbanded with money still left in the coffers.

The group was set up in 1998 to organise local projects to mark the year 2000, but has attracted so much support that it has ended-up making money.

Stephen Turner, chairman of the committee, said: "It is a bit embarrassing really. We only meant to raise enough to cover the cost of the projects but they were more successful than we anticipated."

During 2000 the group staged a Millennium carnival, installed a village clock, published a history of the village, set up a web site and a doomsday style book where residents could record their history.

Organisers said if they finished with money in the bank they would return it to the community.

The group was set-up after villagers were unsure exactly how to mark the landmark date. Questionnaires were sent out to householders and the committee worked from the ideas put forward.

Mr Turner said: "We are very lucky in Flackwell Heath - there is a definite sense of community in the village, something which is not as common as it once was."

The committee received support from the Millennium Awards for All group as well as local businesses, organisations and residents.

Among those to benefit from the cash are Age Concern, the Women's Institute, sports organisations and schools.