Some 47 organisations, including several from in and around Shepton, have successfully secured grants from the Mendip Communities Fund.

Mendip District Council (MDC) has allocated £350k to groups with project plans that support community resilience, physical and mental wellbeing and access to arts, creativity and heritage.

Projects that secured funding of up to £2k and up to £30k include, improvements to village halls, skate park developments, music and seasonal events, a defibrillator, play area refurbishment, dance groups and equipment for a cricket club.

One of the Shepton Organisations to successfully secure a grant is Make the Sunshine. Louise Lappin-Cook who runs Make the Sunshine CiC said: "We are so delighted to have been awarded funding from Mendip Community Fund - this funding will enable us to offer a huge range of creative performances, experiences and workshops for communities in Shepton Mallet and across Mendip.

"As part of this funding we will be organising three creative festivals over the next 18 months, as well as 12 smaller performances and events bringing magical theatre, dance and circus experiences into the heart of local communities. All events are focussed on bringing people together and providing fun, entertaining and life-affirming experiences. We are hugely grateful for support from Shepton Mallet Town Council and Frome Town Council as well as partner schools who we will be working alongside in these projects."

Cllr Liz Leyshon, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Projects, said: "It's been a pleasure to see so many varied and fantastic community projects be recognised and rewarded through the Communities Fund.

"At Mendip, we believe that investing in these projects will help ensure groups can follow their vision for community involvement and achievement, and help them realise their plans which will bring people together again, provide new opportunities and create lasting projects for Mendip residents to enjoy."

A full list of the successful projects can be found on Mendip's website here.