A Norwich school is among local organisations which are celebrating after receiving a bumper lottery grant payment.

The Hewett School on Cecil Road in Lakenham was handed �10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All programme yesterday.

As a result of the �10,000 grant, children who live near the Hewett School will be able to take part in a range of fun after school activities.

The money will be used to help develop an after school club at the school's soon-to- be-opened family centre – the Base.

Associate head teacher Rob Anthony said: 'It is absolutely wonderful we have got this money from the lottery. It will be a real boost for our family centre.'

The �10,000 grant was one of 41 awarded in the east of England. In Poringland, near Norwich, children were jumping for joy thanks to a �6,030 grant.

The grant was given to the Poringland Playgroup so children will be encouraged to lead healthier lifestyles by taking part in sport and learning how to cook healthy meals.

Acle High School was given �7,850 to buy radio studio equipment as part of ambitious plans to set up a school radio station.

In the Great Yarmouth area, members of the parochial church council of Holy Trinity with St Edmunds in Caister were celebrating after receiving �9,500.

The council will use the money to replace the roof of the church hall.

In Stalham, fitness fanatics will be able to try out new cardiovascular gym equipment after �1,162 was handed over to the Stalham Community Gym, which promotes healthy and active lifestyles.

The Northrepps Community Education Project and the Blundeston Cricket Cluib also received lottery funding to set up nature trials and to install toilets and changing rooms respectively.

The Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All Programme offers grants between �300 and �100,000 to social and environmental projects which improve people's lives. In total, �298,049 was handed out to groups in the east of England.