Miss Millie reward two Bristol groups

Two Bristol groups have had their good work in the community recognised with cash prizes from a local food chain.

In this year's annual Good Neighbour Awards competition, run by Miss Millie's Fried Chicken, drugs project Hawks (Hartcliffe and Withywood Kick Start) and stroke support group the Filton Stroke Group were awarded a total of £1,100.

The scheme is now in its 18th year and is supported and judged by authorities and organisations including Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire Brigade, the Evening Post, Kiss 101 radio, and St Peter's Hospice.

A total of 49 groups entered the competition, but only two winners could be chosen.

HAWKS came first, winning £750, which will be put towards a project called the Hidden Harm Service.

It supports children and youngsters who are affected by their parents or carers drug and alcohol misuse.

They plan to use the money to offer the children they work with some activities during the school holidays including zoo and cinema trips, and a climbing trip.

They also want to put money towards resources for the workbooks and games they use to tackle issues such as anger management.

Mike Robbins, HAWKS chair, said: "It is great for us to get this money. It feels good to get the recognition for all our hard work, which we think we deserve. The money will go a long way."

In second place was the Filton Stroke Group, which has won £350. The support group meets weekly at the Civil Service Club in Filton Avenue and provides social support and activities to help build confidence and improve functioning for people who have suffered a stroke.

The group, which has been running for 25 years, plans to use the money to pay for curling equipment, skittles and other games which help with stroke rehabilitation.

Miss Millie's Fried Chicken is a family-owned Bristol business with seven takeaways in Bristol, one in Weston-super-Mare and two in Cardiff.

Ann Walker, managing director of Miss Millie's said: "We have been organising this community awards scheme for many years now in Bristol and never cease to be amazed at the number of very worthy causes that deserve support. The city can be proud that so many people are working to help each other in the Bristol area."