THE OUTSTANDING success of a scheme which has seen more than £150,000 pumped into sport in the Vale of Glamorgan over the last four years has been marked at a special reception.

The event was hosted by Vale Council chairman Cllr Harold Rees, who referred to the "significant contribution" the Community Chest scheme has made to local sport.

Consisting of local sports co-ordinators, a Community Chest panel was set up in partnership with the Sports Council for Wales and the Vale Council, and its primary aim is to help local sports organisations develop and improve participation opportunities and performance standards.

Grants ranging between £50 and £750 are awarded to help clubs purchase equipment, develop coaches, promote and market club activities and establish new junior sections.

Under the Vale scheme, more than 1,000 coaches have been trained and developed, there have been significantly more sporting opportunities for females and the disabled and increased participation opportunities for more than 10,000 youngsters.

Thanking the Sports Council for their financial support, and Elaine Hopkins and Neil Emberton for their technical assistance, Cllr Rees added: "The successes could not have been achieved without the splendid support and contribution of local sports coaches and administrators.

This has been vital to the scheme's success."