Eleven community and voluntary groups in Basingstoke and Deane have been given more than £130,000.

This is part of the latest phase of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Strengthening Communities Grant scheme.

The funding has been used for a host of initiatives, including the launch of a new youth club at the Ridgeway Community Centre in Buckskin, and the development of the toy library at The Link in Tadley.

The funding has also been used to arrange more training for volunteers to help maintain the bowling green in St Mary Bourne.

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Members of St Mary Bourne Bowling Club have celebrated the funding (Image: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council) This grant scheme, now in its third year, was created by the borough council to help groups become more resilient and drive innovation to meet the needs of their communities.

Organisations could apply for grants of up to £15,000 to support a range of activities.

This included improving efficiency through better use of technology, increasing volunteer numbers, upskilling staff and volunteers, or enhancing marketing to reach more people and generate extra income to support their community activities.

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Cllr John McKay, cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion, said: "Supporting our communities to thrive is a key priority for us and it is really pleasing to see groups and organisations from across the borough coming forward to benefit from funding that will enable them to continue delivering important services and activities to our residents.

"Over the past three years we have supported over 45 local groups and organisations to provide services that will have a positive impact on their local communities.

"I hope this round of funding will continue to make a difference and help to meet the needs of local residents in those areas."

More information and a full list of successful applicants can be found on the council's website.