COMMUNITY and voluntary organisations will continue to be supported by the Welsh Government over the coming year.

The Minister for Local Government and Communities, Carl Sargeant, referred to the Community Facilities and Activities Programme (CFAP), which has already provided more than £92 million to help organisations provide new services, and said the financial aid would carry on.

The minister's decision to continue the programme under its current remit for a further 12 months follows an internal review looking at how the programme can be more closely aligned to other Welsh Government grant schemes and Programme for Government priorities.

Mr Sargeant said: "Since the programme was launched in 2002 CFAP has had a beneficial impact upon Welsh communities and the day-to-day lives of local people.

"As well as helping to support local economies through the creation of new facilities and services, the scheme has helped regenerate communities."