THE SPREYTON Village (George Lambert Memorial) Trust is one of the lucky community groups to benefit from the £30-million Government ?Living Spaces? grant scheme to help local people improve their local environment.

The grant of £22,000 will enable the community of Spreyton to refurbish and renew the old children?s play area, giving the children of Spreyton a safe and fun place to play.

Zoe Smith, vice-chair and play area co-ordinator said: ?Receiving this grant is a great achievement for the community of Spreyton. In the past two years, the village hall has been re-opened after major refurbishment, giving the village a fantastic hall.

?Now with this grant we are able to bring our old play area bang up to date, making the village hall and play area a wonderful asset to the village.?

Funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Living Spaces provides funds and support to help people make the most of open spaces in their neighbourhood.

The scheme allows community groups across England to improve and create a whole range of spaces, from play areas, community gardens, parks and city farms to ponds, kick-about areas, squares and village greens.

Living Spaces grants are available to neighbourhood groups anywhere in England. Anyone wishing to apply should download an application pack at http://www.living-spaces.org.uk">www.living-spaces.org.uk or call 0845 600 3190.