COUNCILLORS showed their generosity on Tuesday night as they handed more than £5,000 to local groups and charities.

As part of the community grant scheme, Stratton St Margaret Parish Council received pleas for cash from various local groups including Stratton Camera Club, The Upper Stratton Baptist Church Kids Club and Table tennis enthusiasts U3A.

In a meeting at Grange Leisure on July 26, parish councillors voted on how to distribute the £9,700 from the community grant fund, and on Tuesday the cheques were presented to representatives from the different groups.

Councillor Joe Tray, chairman of the council, said: “Community grants are a great way for the parish council to help local groups with their projects.

“We are encouraging more groups to apply in the second round of grant giving. The deadline is the end of this month. So get in quick, contact the parish council office or go to our website for more information.”

Amongst the recipients, Stratton Juniors Football Club received £1,000 toward the purchase of a defibrillator that will be installed at Meadowcroft Recreation grounds, and Swindon’s 105.5 radio station also received £1,000 for training opportunities for Autism Sufferers.

Stratton Camera Club got £550 to put towards vital new pieces of equipment, and the Beechcroft Thursday Club received £500 to help pay the rent on their hall.

Wearing a large smile, Coun Tray referred to the presentation of cheques as his “favourite bit of the night”.

Accepting the cash, Martin Upfold, of Swindon 105.5, said: “On behalf of everyone at 105.5, I would like to say a big thank you to you all.”

The next phase of grant giving will take place in October, when another £4,000 is available to apply for.

Applicants have to meet certain criteria, such as the work of the organisation has to directly benefit a number of residents of Stratton St Margaret.

Visit the Parish Council’s website strattonstmargaret.gov.uk for further details.