Women’s rugby and children’s art have been boosted by this year’s Worstead Festival, which raised £40,000. 

Proceeds from the event, which took place in July, have been passed on to groups and charities in the area, including North Walsham Rugby Club. 

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Ian Fox, from the club, said: “We’re very grateful to be benefitting. It will go towards new facilities for women’s rugby. 

“The women’s game is the fastest growing part of the sport and we want to make it as inclusive as possible.” 

Worstead Primary School has also benefitted from a festival donation. 

Teacher Amy Coby said: “We are now able to build an art den and stock it with all sorts of material to allow the children to be more creative with their drawing, sculpture, painting, textiles and collage in addition to what’s in the curriculum.”

John Bacon, chairman of Worstead Parish Council, which also got a grant, said: “More free brochures are now available at our amazing church to help visitors to navigate the Worstead Heritage trails.

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“But it’s not just about the money for this sort of stuff. 

“It’s the fun that everyone looks forward to.”

Other recipients of grants include the village halls of Worstead and Honing, St Mary’s Worstead, Queen Elizabeth Hall Worstead, Worstead Pre-School, Making Connections Hoveton, North Norfolk and District Food Bank, Southrepps Bowling Club, North Norfolk Surf Lifesaving Club and the Take Our Hand bereavement charity.

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The volunteer-run festival attracts more than 15,000 people over the two days it runs. 

This year’s attractions included horse stunt riders and BMX performers. 

Plans are already being made for next year’s event, which will include more than 1,00 artisan and food stalls, live music, chef displays and the return of a Lego festival.