Six community ventures in north Norfolk have been given a boost after winning grants totalling nearly £300,000.

They are part of a almost £2m handout from Norfolk County Council through its community construction fund.

In the northern part of the county the successes ranged from a £100,000 grant to help refurbish Aylsham's recreation ground pavilion to £14,000 to build a disabled toilet extension to Northrepps village hall.

The other beneficiaries are Sheringham Little Theatre (£66,000 for a revamp of its foyer and coffee bar), North Walsham Rugby Club (£44,034 to complete the Scottow clubhouse refurbishment), Holt Community Centre (£39,362 for a toilets refurbishment), and Roughton Mill (£35,000 to improve the Scout headquarters).

County council leader Bill Borrett said: 'These projects will not only help to improve the quality of life for thousands of Norfolk people, but also give a welcome boost to those working in our construction industry.

'This innovative fund allows communities to get on with their own projects and priorities and support both short and medium-term economic growth in Norfolk, as well as many local businesses.

'This sort of investment can make a real difference to local life and I hope that the successful communities will greatly benefit from using the new facilities in the near future.'

Money from the Community Construction Fund comes from a planned, one-off underspend by the county council, and a total of £2.169m was available in this round of funding.

More information about the next round of funding will be available on www.norfolkfoundation.com/Community-Construction-Fund.htm

? To see full details of the schemes buy next Thursday's North Norfolk News.