Grants of up to £5,000 are available for rural community buildings in East Devon.

The funding - from East Devon District Council - can be used to help refurbish, improve or even build village halls, community shops and community buildings in rural areas.

Towns are not eligible for the grants, which were previously been administered by the Community Council of Devon.

Successful projects in the past have included improvements to the stage at Clyst St Mary Village Hall, re-roofing at Poltimore Village Hall and kitchen and toilet upgrades at Woodbury Village Hall.

Interested parties can apply for a maximum of £5,000 and there must be match funding available of at least twice the amount of the funding from other sources plus local fund-raising.

This means those applying for a grant of £5,000 would need to show they can obtain £10,000 from elsewhere.

Councillor David Cox, who sits on the grant decision-making panel, said: "In our rural areas, halls and community buildings are often at the very heart of the village and may be the only communal facility available to residents.

"East Devon District Council recognises their importance and continues to support them."

For details, click here or email community engagement and funding officer Jamie Buckley at jbuckley@eastdevon.gov.uk.

Closing dates for applications are 30 July 2014 and 28 November 2014.