SEVEN charities will share grants worth £4,600 from The Mall's Fountain Charity Fund.

The 1st Bristol Muslim Scout Group received the largest grant in this round, receiving £1,000 to provide training for new Scout leaders. The group was set up in December 2003 by the Bristol Muslim Cultural Society.

Group treasurer Mohammed Farooq said: "Our Scouts, Cubs and Beavers all have waiting lists at the moment but we need to train more leaders before we can take on more members.

"Some leaders and helpers have paid for their courses out of their own pockets. This grant will enable us to fund the compulsory training costs for more leaders."

Another Scout group, the 1st Marshfield, received a grant of £700 for a new tent to enable all four sections to go on camps this year. Other organisations that benefited include:

<sum> Family Focus, based in Southmead - £500 to take a group of struggling children and their parents on a programme of activities

<sum> Frome Opportunity Group - will use its £500 grant on specific furniture and equipment for the disabled children.

<sum> The Filton Saturday Club - £500 towards the running costs of weekend activities for adults with learning difficulties.

<sum> St Katherine's School, Pill - £800 to cover the transport costs to take a group of disabled young people on a residential trip.

The Mall's Fountain Charity Fund was established last year to mark The Mall's fifth birthday and is administered by the Greater Bristol Foundation. The bulk of the fund's money comes from coins thrown by shoppers into The Mall's fountain. To date, 33 grants totalling £21,000 have been given to local voluntary organisations and charities.

The closing date for applications for the next grants panel is Wednesday, July 7, 2004. Application forms are available from The Mall's Information Desk or website www.mallcribbs.com.