Latest round of Big Society Fund grants agreed.

Community groups across north Norfolk are to share in a cash windfall.

The Big Society Fund, managed by North Norfolk District Council, offers grants of up to £15,000 to voluntary and community organisations based in the authority's area.

Ten new grants totalling £72,283 have been announced this month.

Since the fund started in 2012, more than £1.3m has been awarded to 173 community projects.

Among those benefitting this time around, Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Association receives £11,198.45 towards the refurbishment of the squash/racketball courts and improving the shower facilities.

Holt Rugby Football Club and Holt Town Council have each been awarded £10,000. The rugby club plan to use the cash to refurbish and replace the floodlights at its training ground while the town council, as previously reported, propose to buy 24 brass plaques and six noticeboards for the Holt Heritage Owl Trail.

High Kelling Village Hall receives £5,000 to connect its foul water to the main drainage sewage system and Sharrington Village Hall receives £8,787.18 to replace glass in the windows, purchase new energy efficient lighting and heating, install a new dishwasher and replace the cooker.

1st Rural Roughton Mill Scout Group also plans to purchase 10 replacement single paned, wooden framed windows for the Mill Tower base with a grant for £6,558.

And Age Concern North Norfolk has been awarded £3,896.46 towards the purchase of 10 laptops and other computer equipment to help older people stay connected.

Elsewhere, the Air Training Corps receive £12,000 towards the Adventure Training equipment and clothing for cadets at 2534 (Fakenham) Squadron taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards; Sutton Village Hall has been awarded £2,270.80 to replace the existing wall mounted heaters with electric cool touch radiators; and Wells in Bloom receives £2,572.34 to replace 20 worn out tubs and planters situated across the town with 13 larger and more robust planters.

Councillor Tom FitzPatrick, Leader of North Norfolk District Council and Cabinet Member for Big Society, said: 'I am really encouraged so many communities from all across North Norfolk have come forward with projects seeking support from the Council's Big Society Fund during this round.

'All of these groups are working incredibly hard to make things happen, to improve their local community, and their passion and dedication is evident.'

The next round of applications closes on February 6. Eligible applications will be considered by the BSF Grant Panel on March 6.

A prospectus is available to applicants, and contains comprehensive guidance to support the application process.

If you have an idea or a project that you wish to develop and apply for funding, you are encouraged to speak to your local councillor and get in touch with the council by calling 01263 516173. Alternatively, email supporting.communities@north-norfolk.gov.uk or visit www.northnorfolk.org/bigsocietyfund