COMMUNITY groups in West Devon are celebrating the award of National Lottery cash in the latest batch of grants.

West Devon Netball Association were given £4,458, which will be used to develop the Under-16 squad and to expand to run netball teams for younger age groups. The association received a grant last year to help establish a team and now want to set up Under-12 and Under-13 squads.

Karen Jones, from the group said she was delighted with the award, which would benefit around 60 girls in the area.

'We will put it towards organising trials, facilities for training and travel expenses,' she said. Trials for the new season are expected to take place at the end of September.

Mary Tavy Youth Club also received a grant of £5,000 which will be used to build an improved skate-boarding ramp.

The charity, West Devon Raynet, received £4,286, the funds will be used to purchase communication equipment. The group specialise in providing communication facilities in times of emergency, and public safety at community events.

The grants have been made as part of the Awards for All programme which aims to support community activities, involving the arts and sport as well as projects promoting education, the environment and health.

Just under half a million pounds of Lottery funds in total, have been awarded to the South West in the latest round of grants.