Sport clubs and groups are benefitting from more than £30,000 worth of support as thanks for their community work.

Silloth Football Club, Thursby Sport and Recreation Committee and Gilcrux Village Hall are among the organisations who applied for funding in the summer.

Allerdale Council invited sport clubs and venues to apply for grants that would support beneficial community projects. With a grant of £10,000, Silloth Football Club will make improvements to their changing facilities.

Colin Baty, from Silloth Football Club, said: “Our current changing rooms were built in 1982 and have only seen minor improvements since then.

“We are in desperate need of bringing them up to 21st-century standards to also allow for an expanding junior section which has over 100 children training and playing football for Silloth. Receiving this grant from Allerdale will massively help our cause.”

Thursby Sport and Recreation Committee will use a grant of £2,250 to support improvements of their pitch and cycle area. Gilcrux Village Hall received £1,500 for equipment to increase activity in classes, badminton and play area.

Councillor Tony Markley, executive member for environmental services, said: “Sport clubs and other groups which give people the chance to participate in physical activity are so important to our communities. They provide great opportunities for young and old to keep fit, healthy and active while providing great platforms for those who want to play competitively.”

Funds for the grants were awarded by the Sellafield Ltd Social Impact Investment Fund, an annual agreement between Sellafield and the council.

Applications for funding are still being considered by the council.

“That’s why we were keen to put this scheme together and give some support to organisations doing great work in their community and we look forward to seeing the various projects come to fruition.”

Grants were also awarded to Seaton Bowling Club, Cockermouth Junior Football Club and Workington Boys and Girls Club.

Workington Boys and Girls Club received £2,500 for improvements to their fitness area.

Amanda Rowell of the club said: “The grant has been gratefully received by our club and will enable us to enhance our facility by creating an additional gym fitness space for our members. The club has been greatly impacted by the Covid restrictions and the grant will help us to overcome these challenges and move forward.”