Members of community groups in South Cambs will benefit from a portion of £12,000 after the sum was awarded to support village projects.

The second round of funding to be awarded from South Cambs District Council’s Community Chest grant scheme has been felt by children at Smarties Pre School in Steeple Morden, which received £1,000 towards a new sensory garden.

The First Orwell Guides will be better prepared with a £600 grant towards the purchase of new lightweight tents, and Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society also received funding for the purchase of two spotlights and a graphic equaliser to improve performances.

Almost £18,000 is still up for grabs this financial year for voluntary and community groups, charities, and parish councils working towards improving the quality of village life.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available for improvements to community facilities, repairs to historic building, monuments and memorials, tree and hedge planting schemes, equipment and materials, and start-up costs.

Councillor Simon Edwards, responsible for community grants at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Our Community Chest grants are very popular and make a real difference to what local groups and projects can achieve for the benefit of individuals and communities across South Cambridgeshire.

“I am pleased that such a wide range of groups across the district were successful with their funding applications, we are always pleased to be able to do our bit to support their efforts, and I look forward to seeing the results of their hard work.”

Grant applications are accepted at any time and can completely or partially cover the costs of a project, equipment or work. For application forms and full details about the fund, plus guidance on eligability, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/communitychest