GROUPS and charities in three Hampshire villages are set to receive a windfall of more than £12,000.

But grants given out in Hedge End, West End and Botley fall well short of what organisations were hoping for.

More than 30 good causes applied to the Eastleigh Borough Council’s local area committee, asking for funding totalling £21,931.

However budget constraints have meant that the committee is only likely to give out £12,275 – with many organisations getting less than half the money they asked for.

Groups that are set to benefit from the grants include D@rt Centre at Wildern School, which could get nearly £3,000 for various projects. But the arts centre had been hoping for more than £5,500.

It was a similar story for St James West End Lunch Club, which applied for £1,000 towards its hall hire and transport costs – but is only likely to be granted £350.

Chairman of the committee Councillor Rupert Kyrle said tough decisions had to be made.

He added: “There’s a gap between what we have to give and what we’re asked for and that’s quite normal – I think it’s quite healthy."

Grants will be finalised tonight when the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee meets at Kings Community Church Hedge End, at 7pm.