Community groups and organisations can still apply for funding for small-scale local initiatives.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Councillor Community Grant Scheme, now in its fourth year, has awarded more than 237 grants to community and voluntary organisations.

The grants support small-scale, local initiatives that make a difference to people’s lives and bring communities together.

Among the beneficiaries was the Inspero charity, which received £1,000 for new raised beds and essential tree maintenance in its community gardens in Kempshott.

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This has provided the charity with more space to grow organic food for its foodbank, community children’s cooking classes, and volunteers.

Since its inception, the scheme has funded various items, including sports, gardening, and camping equipment, laptops and other IT-related equipment, tables and chairs, pots and pans, websites and promotional flyers, toys and instruments, tools, and defibrillators.

Each of the 54 councillors has a total allocation of £2,000 to support organisations providing services or facilities that benefit the residents in their ward.

Councillors can individually support applications for grants of between £250 and £2,000.

They can also pool funding with one or two other councillors within the borough to provide grants up to a maximum of £3,000.

Cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion Cllr John McKay said: "This grant means that our councillors, who work at the heart of our communities, are able to support local groups with funding for projects and activities which could make a difference to our residents’ lives.

"So far 237 grants have been awarded and this year we are encouraging even more groups and organisations to find out more about this grant scheme which will benefit their communities."