An asthma charity, the Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton, and two schools are among the recipients of grants from the Bank of Bermuda Foundation.

The eight successful applicants to the Foundation are YouthNet, Bermuda High School for Girls, Saltus Grammar School, Bermuda National Literacy Charitable Trust. the Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, the Council Partners Charitable Trust, the Anglican Parish Of Sandys, and Open Airways.

YouthNet, a school based mentoring programme, matches students with adult role models, and the grant will help evaluate the success of scheme. Bermuda High School for Girls gets help in funding a sports centre, and Saltus Grammar gets money to help build four new classrooms.

The Bermuda National Literacy Charitable Trust was set up by Premier Jennifer Smith to promote adult literacy by 50 percent by 2015. It is conducting an adult literacy and lifestyles survey.

The Anglican Cathedral is to receive cash to fund the $1.85 million replacement of its copper roof. The Anglican Parish of Sandys is given help to renovate historic St. James' Church, which was built in 1789. The Council Partners trust is a private organisation which works with agencies providing alcohol and drug addiction services. Open Airways is sending 20 professionals working with the Island's 8,000 asthmatics, to the National Asthma and Respiratory Training Centre in England to study for a diploma.

David Lang, a Foundation spokesman, said: "Bank of Bermuda Foundation seeks to assist charitable organisations that support our community and people, preserve our local heritage, culture and environment and help develop the youth of Bermuda.''