7 October 2012 Last updated at 06:30 ET

Cash boost for rural community groups in Cumbria

Alston is one of the areas to benefit from the grants

Grants totalling £230,000 have been awarded to community groups in Cumbria.

Eden District Council said the cash, from its rural infrastructure fund, will help develop sustainable projects.

The largest amount, £40,000, went to the Alston Moor Partnership, which will use some of it to appoint a project officer to co-ordinate its volunteers.

Other payouts include £30,000 for a multi-use games area in Shap, £22,000 to Eden Credit Union, and cash for the Nenthead Chapel Restoration Project.

At Garrigill Village Hall, £11,000 will be used to create bunkhouse accommodation to attract visitors.

Councillor Gordon Nicolson, leader of Eden District Council, said: "An interesting range of projects is being supported by the rural infrastructure fund.

"Our investment of £230,000 has enabled community groups to access a further £1.42m which is a staggering sum and will ensure the projects can be sustained in the future."