Community projects across West Cumbria have received a share of more than £280,000.

Cumbria Community Foundation awarded the money to more than 50 charitable groups at its West Cumbria grants panel. Funding was also given to 25 young people towards academic study and foreign travel.

The money came from 23 grant making funds, including those set up by local businesses including Lamont Pridmore, Shepley Engineers and United Utilities.

Silloth on Solway Sports Association received £10,000 for a planned multi-use games area from the Hellrigg Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Colin Baty, assistant secretary, said: “We are installing a multi-use games area in the town and this money will be used in the excavation and preparation of the area before a 3G Astro Turf can be laid.

“The multi-use games area will greatly enhance the outdoor sports facilities in Silloth, especially during the dark winter months as there is currently no provision with adequate lighting for the local community to access.”

Cleator Moor Celtic Football Club, was awarded £10,000 from the United Utilities Legacy Fund, to carry out pitch improvements.

The club was recently promoted to Step 6 in the FA pyramid and the works were required for them to play in the league.

David Graham, project manager, said: “The aim is to bring the pitch up to recognised Sport of England standards for winter pitch use. The money will also act as match funding when we apply to the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.”

1st Seaton Scout Group can now build a brand-new community facility after receiving £30,000, also from the United Utilities Legacy Fund.

The current scout hut is nearly 85 years old and has been on the same site in the village for more than 40 years. After successfully fundraising to develop a new facility, the grant from United Utilities was the last bit of funding the group needed to begin the building work.

Mike Ditchburn, acting chairman of the scout group, said: “It felt like Christmas had come early when we were told by Cumbria Community Foundation that we had been awarded £30,000.”

Brian Hemming, who is working on behalf of the scout group to raise funds for the new facility, said: “On telling the group of the good news, it was decided that we should all start the New Year by polishing up picks and spades and start on the site this year.

"The whole group, including our 70 scouts, wish to thank Cumbria Community Foundation and United Utilities, and the whole community for supporting us in achieving our target.”

Egremont Youth Partnership received £5,000 from the Lord Egremont Fund.

James Bowden, youth centre manager, said: “The youth group is grateful and delighted to have received support this year from Lord Egremont towards our core running costs.

"We are entirely dependent on grant aid and fundraising. The need for youth provision within the town is high and the work we will deliver as part of this funding is essential to our young people. "Over the next year we will continue to provide a varied programme for the young people of Egremont and the surrounding community with our variety of sessions delivered over 3 nights a week.”

The closing date for the next West Cumbria grants panel is February 22. For more information, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or call a member of the grants team on 01900 825760.