AN organisation which has helped hundreds of groups receive funding worth £1.5 million is holding a celebratory event.

The Basis team, which is based at Community House in Portholme Road, Selby, was set up to help local clubs, groups and organisations access Lottery funding.

Since its conception two years ago Basis, which has just three people working for it, has helped about 200 groups across the district.

It is now holding an event to celebrate its success, but also allow organisations to come together and discuss matters that affect them all.

Steve Shaw-Wright, the Basis funding officer and a local councillor, said that a wide variety of organisations had been helped. These included sports clubs, church organisations, children’s groups, a cinema club, a Polish families’ self help group and allotments organisation.

Mr Shaw-Wright said: “More than £1.5 million pounds of grant funding has been secured for local groups, during the first two years of the Basis project. We hope to build on this in the next two years. However it’s not just about money the Basis team can and do offer expert advice and support on group governance issues as well as providing administrate support to local groups.”

Events coordinator Jackie Smith said the party – aptly named Celebrating Success – would allow community groups and clubs to get together and share advice and information.

She said: “Celebrating Success will allow groups from across the Selby district to meet each other share experiences and pass on tips and advice and maybe get together in the future to develop other services or activities that will benefit communities across Selby district.”

Invitations have been sent to groups and organisation who have worked with the Basis Team. However, if groups who are not registered with the Basis team would like to attend and find out more information about the help available to them they should phone Jackie by June 18 on 01757 291111 or by emailing jackiesmith@selbyavs.org.uk The party takes place on June 22.