A host of community projects have benefited from thousands of pounds of funding after residents in south Norfolk voted for their favourite.

Eight schemes across the district will share �15,000 between them following the local democracy experiment.

For the past two weeks, more than 200 members of the public have been assessing reports on 12 projects, which aim to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

On Friday, at Ormiston Victory Academy in Costessey, South Norfolk Council announced the winners in a public poll.

The most popular was Long Stratton Youth Caf�, which received �1,140 for a secure storage shed. The other winners were Hethersett Youth Club (�1,406), a solar lamp post scheme by Harleston Town Council (�1,650), a children's play scheme by Rose Lane Residents' Association, in Diss, (�3,234), Hethersett Hawks bike scheme (�2,268), Hethersett Scout Group (�2,000), a new storage facility at Mulbarton Cricket Club (�2,000) and electronic speed sign for Barford Parish Council (�1,662).

Traditionally, the money from the South Norfolk Community Safety Partnership would have been handed out through official channels and committees.

Deputy leader Martin Wilby praised local people for taking part and proved that residents did care about their community.

'This is the answer to the sceptics who say the public can't be bothered to get involved. The success of this exercise means we will be looking for another chance to do it again,' he said.