COMMUNITY groups in the Tavistock area are celebrating a clutch of cash grants worth more than £15,000, scooped from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme.

The scheme approves grants of between £500 and £5000 to local groups and in this round of awards, the biggest award winner was Tavistock Primary School.

The school has been awarded £5,000 to set up an open air fitness trail for use by the school and the community, plus more out of school activities for pupils.

Headteacher Joe Flynn said the school was delighted to have received the grant.

Mr Flynn said: 'We are negotiating with Tavistock College and trying to set up this fitness trail throughout the whole site. The trail would have exercise stations at various points throughout, similar to the sort of thing you see on the continent.'

The school is also using some of the grant to purchase extra equipment for its after school clubs, which have already earned certificates of distinction from the Education Extra organisation.

Another big award winner was Tavistock Rugby Club which scooped a £2,400 grant, enabling the club to buy 12 floodlights.

Chairman Bob Law said the award was very good news for the club.

Mr Law said: 'You put in these bid and hope, but when they do come through they're hugely welcome.

'At the moment we can only use two or three lights at a time because the cabling isn't all that good, but now we will be able to have a complete set of lights.

'It will make a lot of difference to training and will benefit everyone, including the minis.'

The golden jubilee celebrations in the Bere Peninsula and at Peter Tavy were helped by awards of £2,378 and £1,492.

Gulworthy Pre-School group was given £2,168, which it will use to purchase computer equipment.

Tavistock and District Access Group will use its award of £1,030 to publish an information booklet aimed at people with disabilities and access problems.

And the Tavistock Gateway Club was awarded £890, which will be used to fund coach outings for people with learning difficulties.

Steve Barriball, senior officer for Awards for All in Exeter, said: 'This latest round of award announcements will make a real impact for these deserving groups. I am acutely aware of how much difference even a small grant can make to community organisations and I have no doubt that the awards we are announcing will make a significant difference to local communities across the South West.'

Mr Barriball said the scheme aims to fund projects which extend access and participation, increase skills and creativity and quality of life.

Awards for All are particularly interested in applications from groups led by or benefiting disabled people, black and minority ethnic people, older people and children and young people.

'We are also keen to see applications from disadvantaged rural communities,' said Mr Barriball.

To apply for an Awards for All grant, call 0845 600 20 40 or visit the website at http://www.awardsforall.org.uk">www.awardsforall.org.uk

Application results are normally decided within three months.