Five Welsh language community newspapers are to receive nearly £200,000, while a Llanelli-based group that helps community businesses has been awarded over £900,000.

It means we can put more into the paper for young Welsh-speakers, as well as the arts and sport

Peter Hughes Griffiths, Cwlwm

The money for the Papurau Bro newspapers will pay for full-time staff to assist the volunteers who run them.

It is hoped the investment, which will cover a two-year period, will increase circulation and attract younger readers.

The five papers, Cwlwm, Y Cardi Bach, Y lloffwr, Clebran and Garthen, are read by about 15,000 people.

Carmarthenshire has the one of the highest number of Welsh-speakers in Wales and bosses at the papers say they want to widen their appeal.

Peter Hughes Griffiths, chief editor of Cwlwm, said at least three jobs would be created over the two years of the project.

"We are currently seen as fairly traditional, but with the professional support we can put more into the paper for young Welsh-speakers, as well as the arts and sport," he said.

Meirion Prys Jones, from the Welsh Language Board, added the development of the Papurau Bro was "an exciting opportunity to build on the excellent linguistic and community work that already exists".

Community group

The money awarded to Foothold Community Specialists in Llanelli will provide support for the creation and expansion of community businesses in deprived areas.

"A community enterprise can be anything from a playgroup to a manufacturing firm, as long as it puts its profits back into the community," said Chief Executive Mike Theodoulou.

A community enterprise can be anything from a playgroup to a manufacturing firm

Mike Theodoulou from Foothold Community Specialists

"The bulk of the money will run a fund that community enterprises can apply for."

"The rest will be used to employ staff to make sure the businesses are set up and administrated properly," he added.

Mr Theodoulou also said the money was awarded on the understanding that Foothold would create 79 jobs.

He added the investment must support 55 community enterprises, 20 of which must be led by women, disabled people or those from ethnic minorities.

Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council's Objective One partnership board Huw John said he was pleased at the recognition for the Papurau Bro and that the Foothold money was "good news all round" for the county.

The latest approvals take Carmarthenshire's total investment to almost £45m through the council's Objective One partnership.

Objective One money is available from the European Community for projects which support economic regeneration.