Projects supporting vulnerable families and victims of domestic abuse have received funding boost by a council.

St Albans District Council has awarded Community Partnerships Funding worth £300,000 to the following groups for 2015-18: Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association’s Mother and Baby Service, which providing support to young women who are pregnant or have a child aged under two-years-old.

Homestart for the recruitment and training of volunteers to support parents with young children at home.

St Albans and Hertsmere Women's Refuge so it can continue to provide support and safety to women and mothers with children who are suffering from domestic abuse.

Councillors also agreed to support the Bereavement Matters, Kids @ The Base, The Living Room and Youthtalk organisations.

Councillor Beric Read said: "I am very pleased that the council is able to continue to offer this level of grant funding despite the pressures on our budget.

"These are very worthwhile schemes and it is important that they are supported. We give these grants for three years at a time to allow the charities to plan ahead."