LOCAL groups in East Sussex are set to benefit from thousands of pounds worth of funding.

Seven clubs and organisations were awarded a share of more than £70,000 from Rother District Council's Community Grants Scheme.

The scheme was created to support the development of community facilities and activities and this year £130,000 is on offer in two rounds of funding.

A major building development to provide a facility for use by the all sections of the community in Crowhurst received a cash boost of £30,000 after a successful bid by Crowhurst Parochial Church Council.

A new club house for Westfield Bowls Club moved a step closer to becoming a reality after the district council's cabinet agreed a conditional grant of £30,000.

Other successful bidders in round one included Pett Sports Association, which was awarded £5,000 towards the building of a new sports pavilion, and 1st Burwash and Etchingham Scout

Group, which was given £2,550 towards an upgrade of its Burwash base.

Users of Brightling Parish Hall and Peasmarsh Memorial Hall will see improvements to the facilities thanks to grants of £5,000 and £920 respectively.

Councillor Tony Ganly said: "We are delighted to be able to offer these groups and organisations, which play a vital role in bringing communities together, the funding they need for their projects.

"We hope that the financial support offered by Rother District Council will help the applicants secure further funding from other sources."

Local groups will now have the opportunity to bid for a share of the remaining £54,330 later this year.

To be successful groups must show that their work or event will benefit a wide section of the community - and that they have achieved match-funding from other people, organisations or groups.

All grants, totalling £73,467, were awarded with conditions.

For further details, including how to apply, visit the community grants page.