COMMUNITY projects across Devon have been awarded close to £400,000 of funding thanks to Devon County Council (DCC).

Grassroots sport, community arts and cultural projects, festivals, children’s play areas, support groups and community transport were among the beneficiaries of more than £390,000 over the last year.

In total, 474 local groups have received funding from DCC’s Locality Budget, enabling predominately volunteer-run clubs, groups and projects to repair community assets, purchase key essentials, provide services and host community events to help improve the lives of local people in every corner of Devon.

Over the course of last year, each of DCC’s 60 councillors had £8,000 a year to help them respond to local needs – they use their local knowledge to ensure their share is used where it will be of the most benefit.

And since April, almost £22,000 has been allocated across 27 grassroots sports activities across Devon, including a portable defibrillator at an over 50s football club in Exminster.

More than £20,000 has been awarded to projects and activities related to Devon’s heritage and environment, with at least £35,000 has been shared by children’s groups, nurseries and schools.

The council says that the funding has helped purchase community play equipment, outings for young diabetics in Exeter, online safety courses for children at 30 primary schools and new gardening equipment, horticulture lessons and support for activities delivered by scouting groups.

And organisations offering support, such as food banks, mental health and wellbeing advice groups have received more than £40,000 in funding.

In each case funding has been nominated by local councillors to benefit local communities and support the council’s objectives and priorities through improving health and wellbeing.