Cash for Your Community: Meet the groups making the most of last year's cash prizes

The Small Wonders Stay and Play Group topped the pile last year and is aiming for a similar success story this year as it continues to expand.

After coming third in the inaugural Cash for Your Community project, the Chapel Ash-based play group for toddlers rose up the rankings to take home £4,067 last year.

First time around, the money went towards building a sensory play room in Wolverhampton, which was further expanded after last year with an interactive sensory board and play panels to get the youngsters learning while having fun.

Ursula Wastall, co-leader of the group, said: "We used last year's money to add to our sensory room, making it even more enjoyable and interactive for the children.

"We have enjoyed great success over the last year and really expanded what we do, so many people are interested now.

"Winning last year was a great surprise and I would encourage any group, no matter how small, to take part.

"If you don't then you can't win but if you do, the benefits can be huge."

The group currently look after 180 children, running two sessions a week on Friday mornings. Sessions at the LifeSpring Centre are held from 9.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Fridays.

There is currently a waiting list of 50 people eager to get their children taking part, however Ms Wastall encouraged people to get in contact regarding taster sessions.

Last time around the group collected more than 30,000 tokens to claim the biggest cash prize. In recent weeks, the group has announced it will be increasing its prices slightly due to the need for some admin assistance.

Ms Wastall said: "We are lucky that we can keep costs down as we are run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers."

The Sandwell Flyers gymnastics group reached for the sky last year and finished second out of 150 worthy organisations.

The activities group delivers trampoline, gymnastics, dance and tricking sessions to young people and adults across the West Midlands.

The group raised more than £350 to help with running costs and equipment through Cash for Your Community in the project's first year.

In 2015, they brought home more than £3,500 to put towards training more coaches as the club struggled to cope with increased demand.

The money also went towards purchasing fresh equipment for members old and new to enjoy.

Youngsters from the group have worked with modern circus group No Fit State, competed in national competitions, organised summer holiday camps and activity based sleepovers, as well as entertaining crowds at community carnivals. Lauren Hayward, owner of the Sandwell Flyers, said she would recommend others try to claim first prize in this years competition.

She said: "We used the money to train 3 staff members which allowed us to offer more classes.

"I recommend all local clubs and community projects get involved with this year's campaign, it has truly helped us move forward and enabled more children access to a fun and enjoyable activity."

Earlier this year, the group advertised for volunteers to help with classes, asking for people with a background in sports or teaching to come forward.

Those who did were enrolled onto a British Gymnastics Training Day as part of the groups commitment to helping staff.

Willenhall Trinity Bowls Club struck gold over the last two years thanks to the Express & Star's Cash for Your Community campaign – funding renovations and the purchase of a life saving defibrillator.

After coming top of the pile in 2014, winning £3,218, the club once again put in a good showing in 2015, winning £1,568 and coming third.

First time around, the club decided to spend the money on sprucing up its clubhouse and grounds, including work to a new ceiling, wall and extra shelves.

After last year's success, the club put money towards a defibrillator following a near fatal incident where a visiting player suffered a heart attack during a game.

Some cash was also put towards a new stand at the ground on Charles Street, where the club has been located since the 1920s.

Club secretary Norman Kempson said: "We brought a defibrillator last year and we are all set to get some training on how to use it from the fire service over the coming months.

"We put whatever was left towards our new stand, along with money from our president.

"All of these things are important for a club of our size and the prize money has gone a long way.

"I would recommend any club gets themselves on the list and takes part, even if you don't win big amounts every little bit of cash helps.

Crown Green Bowls has been played on the site since the 1920s when it was part of the Russell Street playing fields.

The playing fields, tennis courts and cricket pitch have all gone now, leaving behind the bowls club with members who enjoy playing bowls and the comradeship that goes with it.

The present membership is over 60, with ages ranging from 19 to 96.

Over recent years the Club has undergone a transformation, a new kitchen & disabled toilet have been installed within the clubhouse together with a separate men's urinal.

Last year a new covered area in front of the clubhouse was built by members and improvements were made to the stand at the side of the green.

Club member Cyril Hockman is proof of the clubs longevity and popularity, having recently taken to the green to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Bowlers from across the Black Country turned out in force to mark the special occasion.

Cyril played a few ends prior to the club's Wolverhampton Senior Citizens League clash with Codsall.

Chairman Peter Prescott helped organise the day and revealed Cyril still harbours hopes of a comeback after retiring from league bowls three years ago at the age of 97.