Gymnasts and expectant parents in north Norfolk are set to benefit from grants worth thousands of pounds.Awards for All, the lottery scheme which funds small community projects, has awarded a total of �213,487 to groups across the east of England, including two in north Norfolk, in its latest round of grants.

Gymnasts and expectant parents in north Norfolk are set to benefit from grants worth thousands of pounds.

Awards for All, the lottery scheme which funds small community projects, has awarded a total of �213,487 to groups across the east of England, including two in north Norfolk, in its latest round of grants.

North Walsham Sport Centre Gymnastics Club gets �8,452 which it plans to use to buy new equipment such as a vaulting table, a beam and asymmetrical bars.

Some pieces, like the new tumble track, will be additions to the club's existing stock while others will replace items currently being borrowed from or shared with other groups.

The club, which was formed in 2001, hopes by improving its facilities it will enable the gymnasts to compete at a higher level.

Pat Johnson, treasurer and welfare officer for the group, said the equipment could also allow more children to get involved.

She said: 'We have got more than 60 girls already taking part in classes that we offer but we have got 120 on our waiting lists. We are hoping we might be able to find extra time to start another class to get our waiting list down.'

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) in Norfolk has received a grant worth �4,134 which will enable it to send two students on a one-year antenatal course.

It is hoped the new teachers will help improve access to the services offered by the trust to expectant parents in north Norfolk.

The NCT, a charity which supports mums and dads through pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenthood, runs antenatal and post natal courses, a breastfeeding helpline and drop-in sessions across the country, as well as campaigning for better experiences for parents and their children.