TWO groups in Bridgwater are among the first to benefit from their local councillor’s health and wellbeing grant.

County councillor Ann Bown has used part of the £5,000 grant she was allocated by the council to support two groups in the area.

Last weekend, Cllr Bown visited Victoria Park Bowling Club to see the new equipment bought with £375 given to the group.

Lynne Mead, welfare officer at the club, said: “We’ve bought new mats and some junior bowls equipment.

“The mats will enable our older members to play safely, and the junior equipment will help to keep young players active and healthy.

“Though the bowls season has finished the new equipment will still be used in the winter for short mat bowls, starting in November.”

Cllr Bown also pledged £743.50 to Bridgwater’s Active Living group, which saw 40 over-60s embark on a day trip to Oakhem Treasures Museum near Bristol.

Active living organiser Ann Barnard said: “They all really enjoyed the day – some of these people possibly wouldn’t get out of the house if we didn’t run these days.

“It’s a great social gathering.

“Ann’s help has been tremendous and the money has helped to fund two trips this year.”

Cllr Bown, who is also a Sedgemoor district councillor, said: “I believe working with the community and helping local people can really better their health.

“These kinds of groups can really make a positive difference locally.”