Five community projects have been given a boost after �35,000 was awarded to green schemes in south Norfolk.

The initiatives, which will receive between �1,600 and �20,000, were successful applicants in the South Norfolk Council and South Norfolk Alliance green community competition.

And another �25,000 is up for grabs after the project was extended to help more householders to reduce their energy bills.

The five winning applicants, which will boost recycling and energy efficiency, will fund improved insulation for Hethersett householders (�20,000), a community composting scheme at Thurlton (�3,400), a solar panel project at Hempnall Village Hall (�5,000), double glazing for Wymondham Scout hut (�1,600), and improvements to the Norfolk Freegle website (�5,000).

Nineteen applications were received for projects covering energy efficiency initiatives, waste minimisation schemes and biodiversity improvements.

Robert Savage, South Norfolk Council cabinet member for the environment and recycling, said the competition had received a great response and praised the winning bidders.

Communities are being invited to submit their project proposals for the extended scheme where �15,000 will be awarded to the best project and �10,000 to the runner-up.

Deadline for entries is April 18.