Scores of voluntary groups across the district had cause to celebrate today after winning funding from Bradford Council to continue their services.

The Council's executive committee agreed that the groups should get a share of the £5.6 million in the community funding budget.

Funding will go to more than 150 groups, with only 11 turned down.

The biggest slice goes to advice services, which get more than £1.2 million.

Some groups have received reduced funding, however, and the Council's community development and lifelong learning department will help them to look at alternative sources.

Yesterday's meeting contrasted with stormy scenes in previous years when mass demonstrations were held in Centenary Square as groups faced closure through the loss of grants.

The Council is one of the first to set up commissioning bodies which invite groups to apply to provide services. The authority believes it is fairer and ends duplication of different services.

Executive member for community Councillor Kris Hopkins said: "It is the first time we have seen it go so smoothly and we have to be very proud of the process. We are allocating a huge amount of money which is having an extremely positive effect across the district."

Councillor Dave Green (Lab, Odsal) said he was concerned that no group which had concerns had attended the meeting.

But members were told some groups had made representations, including Buttershaw Advice and Social Centre which had received less than it hoped.