A sports club and a church are benefitting from the latest public facilities to be rewarded grant aid allocations from the council.

The Community and Partnership team at Epping Forest District Council selected Theydon Bois Baptist Church, in Avenue Road and Epping Sports Club, in Lower Bury Lane.

The scheme supports applications from voluntary and community groups towards projects that benefit their communities.

Cllr Nigel Bedford, the new portfolio holder for the Community and Partnerships team, said: “Any local community or voluntary group can apply for funding for up to 50 per cent of their project – we expect them to match fund the remainder.

“We try to allocate funds quarterly and there is always a fair few applications to consider. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.”

Cllr Holly Whitbread shared delight about the sports centre upgrade by posting on Twitter, saying: “Great news... Epping Sports Club in Lower Bury Lane will benefit from the latest round of grant aid allocations from the Community and Partnership team at @eppingforestdc. “

Theydon Bois Baptist Church received £5,000 towards refurbishing their kitchen often used for many events, including community lunches – often visits from lonely and elderly residents.

Epping Sports Club received £1,703 towards the refurbishment of its car park which has been in a poor state for some time.