FIVE groups in the Okehampton area are celebrating cash boosts after the latest round of awards to be distributed by the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme.
The biggest award winner in the area was Whiddon Down Village Hall committee, which was given £4,800.
Committee treasurer Tom Martineau said the grant was 'tremendous' news.
The money will be spent on improving access for the disabled and elderly by installing ramps and disabled toilets — refurbishment work in the kitchen would also be started.
'It's a marvellous help to us, a great boost,' he said.
Mr Martineau said the committee needs to raise about £20,000 altogether towards improvements at the hall.
'With this grant at least we can make a start — we really are very grateful,' he said.
Age Concern in Okehampton has been awarded £4,500.
The Rev Barrie Duke, chief officer of Age Concern, said: 'I think it's marvellous. We have ten trips for day centres funded, that's £2,000, £1,000 for transport of frail, elderly and disabled people, £1,000 for a new computer and £500 for voluntary car drivers — it's the sort of support that day centres always need.
'I had a request from a lady this morning who wanted to go to a day centre. This lady had been in hospital for 11 weeks and shut in her home for six months — now we will be able to get her out and about.'
Mr Duke said the work carried out by Age Concern was 'vital'.
'This award is good news for the people of West Devon,' he said.
The 1st Hatherleigh Guides group was given £2,800, which will be used to upgrade camping equipment to meet health and safety standards.
Another guide group to benefit from a grant was the 1st North Tawton group, which was awarded £1,482. This will be spent on upgrading cooking, first aid and camping equipment.
And South Zeal Players have been awarded £650, which will be spent on four stagecraft workshops for existing members and newcomers to the group.
Steve Barriball, regional senior awards officer, said: 'Awards for All is a lottery funding programme aid for local groups and makes grants of between £500 and £5,000. We want to get lottery money to where it is needed and ensure that it will make a real difference to communities in the South West.'
Mr Barriball said the scheme aims to encourage access and participation, increase skills and creativity and improve quality of life.
'We 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 and market towns in the region.'
To apply for an Awards for All grant, call 0845 600 20 40. Or you can visit the website at http://www.awardsforall.org.uk">www.awardsforall.org.uk
Applications are straightforward and results are normally decided within three months.