Youngsters playing Kwik cricket at Horsford Cricket Club's ground. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Norfolk sports clubs and parish councils are some of 40 projects in the east set to benefit from a slice of a £1.8m Olympic legacy windfall.

Eight schemes in Norfolk are celebrating today after being offered investment from the Inspired Facilities Fund – part of the Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across England.

They are Aylsham Town Council, Heacham Club Charity, Hunstanton Sailing Club, Horsford Cricket Club, Drayton Parish Council, Denver Playing Field Association, Sheringham Skate Park and North Walsham Rugby Football Club.

Combined, they are set to receive nearly £353,000.

Sport England’s chair Richard Lewis said: “With just 10 days to go until the Olympics, it is fantastic to be giving sports clubs in the east even more reasons to celebrate.

“Thanks to these investments, many thousands of people can look forward to first-class sports facilities on their doorstep.”

As part of the scheme, Horsford Cricket Club will receive £50,000 to help redevelop its clubhouse, providing better facilities for the club’s thriving junior section.

North Walsham Rugby Football Club is also set to receive £50,000 to refurbish its clubhouse.

All the facilities will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark – celebrating the link to the Games.

Locog chair Seb Coe, said: “This is a fantastic funding project that will deliver a real legacy from the London 2012 Games. It will provide a whole range of sporting opportunities for young people through improved facilities and will I hope inspire them to take up sport.”

Do you have an Olympics story? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.