TWO community projects in Kilve and Wheddon Cross are among 40 in the South West to benefit from new year National Lottery grants.

The Kilve Reading Room, or Village Hall, is to receive just over £9,500 to improve seating and lighting with new chairs and LED stage lighting. It will make the building more comfortable, energy efficient and useable all year round for local people.

The Moorland Hall and Recreation Ground Pavilion Project at Wheddon Cross is to receive just over £1,600 for a community survey on replacing the pavilion. The grant will enable the local community to have input into the new building, and make sure their needs are met.

Both are Awards for All grants, which are between £300 and £10,000 to voluntary and community organisations, while the National Lottery Reaching Communities awards are larger grants of £10,000 and above for more long term projects.

Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund, England grant making director, said: “Whether it’s supporting people living with dementia to make plans or keep active through gardening, or enabling children to be more active, these projects will make a huge difference to the lives of many people.”