A TENNIS club has netted �23,000 after a district council announced a batch of grants to support community projects. North Herts district council has granted a total of more than �110,000 to rural community projects in the district, and the tennis club is

A TENNIS club has netted �23,000 after a district council announced a batch of grants to support community projects.

North Herts district council has granted a total of more than �110,000 to rural community projects in the district, and the tennis club is one of the biggest beneficiaries, being given the cash to help with their project to build new courts.

Cllr Tricia Cowley, district council portfolio holder for community engagement, said: "The Council is very keen to support rural communities and help ensure they have the facilities they need to thrive.

"It is exciting to see how many worthwhile projects are put forward for our grant schemes. Indeed the initiative has been so successful that the district council has agreed to extend the �250,000 annual Parish Amenity Capital Improvement Fund (PACIF) for a further year."

A further �12,293 has been earmarked to fund improvements to the Fordham Memorial hall in Therfield, while Barkway village hall will benefit from �5,925.

Ashwell parish council is among 12 local councils to be awarded cash as part of the environmental improvements fund.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a similar grant should visit www.north-herts.gov.uk or call Garry Gover on 01462 474674, or Peter Underwood on 01462 474669.