Celebrations are being held in towns and villages across Breckland which will see sport and play facilities improved thanks to £195,000 of funding.

A new multi-use games area in Attlebrough, adult fitness equipment in Longham, a refurbished skate park in Swaffham and funding towards a new club house, changing rooms, toilets and bar at Thetford Town Football Club are amongst the 27 projects to share the funding from Breckland Council's Outdoor Sport and Play fund.

Representatives from town and parish councils, community groups, sports clubs and charities visited Breckland Council's offices in Dereham yesterday to celebrate the news.

Breckland Council chairman Bill Borrett said: 'Breckland is a rural district with many small communities which don't have great access to transport and the same facilities as places like Norwich and King's Lynn.

'So it is great we are able to support these communities and increase people's opportunities to participate in sport and exercise on a regular basis.'

Earlier this month Breckland Council's cabinet agreed to support 21 funding applications to boost projects which will provide new free-to-access children's play areas and outdoor sports provision, or enhance existing facilities. A further six projects had previously been given the green light.

A total £100,500 was allocated to sports-related projects and £94,500 given to play area schemes.

The money came from housing developers who, as part of their planning permission, are often required to make funding available to help improve local play and sports facilities.

Swaffham Town Council had two funding bids approved. It will receive £31,400 to refurbish the skate park at the town's recreation ground and £12,000 to provide a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) for the town.

Swaffham deputy mayor Jill Skinner said: 'We are absolutely delighted. At last young people in Swaffham will have something worthwhile to play on.

'With the speed of Swaffham's growth these facilities are so important for the town.'

Around £114,000 from the funding pot remains unclaimed so Breckland Council, in partnership with Norfolk Community Foundation - which manages grant applications on the council's behalf, will be inviting further bids next year.

Are you doing something to improve sports facilities in your community? E mail adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk