ARTS projects in Romsey have received a vital cash injection. Hampshire County Council has dished out grants to a series of schemes, including Romsey and District Carers' Forum and the town's annual Beggars Fair.

Young carers will have the chance to experiment with music and art thanks to a £400 handout to the forum, which helps teens isolated by their caring role.

More than £1,000 will also go to the Beggars Fair, due to hit the streets in July next year.

Two days of music, dance and street entertainment will fill streets and pubs in the market town - bringing schools pupils, traders, dance teams and church together in the community event.

Romsey Arts Festival, an event staged by the community for the community, is in line for £300. Hampshire's recreation boss John Waddington, approving the handout, said: "We are committed to supporting arts projects which enable residents to have access to high quality events as well as the chance to develop their own creative talents."