The first grants from East Hampshire District Council’s (EHDC) Grow Up! Community Fund have been announced.

The fund supports projects that provide a space to encourage prosperity, support health and wellbeing and reconnect people with the countryside.

Part of the Grow Up! programme, the fund aims to work with community groups, councils and other organisations to deliver community projects that will deliver the Grow Up! vision on a local level. It is funded by £130,000 of Government money.

So far three projects have benefited from the fund, with more applications to resolve. Among the projects to get backing are a tree-planting scheme in Petersfield and a fantastic facility for children with special educational needs.

The one-off fund makes up part of the council's wider Grow Up! programme which has been delivered through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund of £1 million, over three years. The Grow Up Community Fund prioritises projects that deliver the greatest local collaboration, environmental and social benefits to the district.

In total, the council received 21 applications for the fund which represents EHDC’s fresh approach to community and economic development in rural East Hampshire.

Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC leader, said: “Our Grow Up! programme is dedicated to reconnecting us with our rich rural heritage and preserving valuable skills that might otherwise be lost.

“The Grow Up! Community Fund is a great way to support projects and community groups that benefit everyone in their area.

“These fantastic schemes are a great example of the brilliant things our communities can provide for local residents with a bit of support.”