Health chiefs in St Helens have given out almost £50,000 in grants to community groups across the borough.
The pilot scheme was introduced in July to make funding available for groups with new and innovative ideas for delivering health projects.
A total of 41 specialist groups were presented with cheques at Halton and St Helens Primary Care Trust's ann
ual general meeting.
The money was used to buy specialist gym equipment for under 12s, a games console for pensioners' groups and a wheelchair accessible bird watching hide.
PCT chairman Jim Wilson said: "What particularly attracted us to this idea was that groups had to come up with new and innovative ideas.
"We all need to think differently about how we can play our part in improving the health and well being of our communities, and these
bright ideas will lead to real improvements for local people.
"Our local voluntary, community and faith sector groups play a considerable part in helping people to lead healthier more fulfilling lives and we are delighted to be supporting them in their work."
Successful grants included £640 for the Runcorn and Widnes Cancer Support Group to provide brand new Tai Chi Classes, £935 for Age Concern Halton and St Helens to buy a Nintendo Wii for use in Older Peoples Clubs, £2,020 for an anti-smoking and dancing project provided by the UC Crew and £2,500 for an edible forest to be created by the Friends of Parr Children's Centre.
It is estimated that nearly 6,000 people will benefit from the wide variety of projects that will happen as a direct result of the PCT's Bright Ideas scheme.
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