COMMUNITY groups and village halls across Hampshire have been handed grants for building work.

Hampshire County Council awarded a total of £42,139 for nine improvement projects to meet "recreational, educational, social and environmental needs".

The cash is available for building repairs, extensions and refurbishment, health and safety improvements, equipment and feasibility studies.

Essential Councillor Margaret Snaith, executive member for recreation and heritage, said: "These buildings play a pivotal role in community life and it is essential that they are kept in good condition so people can enjoy all sorts of activities, from evening classes to play groups, in a safe and comfortable environment.

"By providing this funding we hope to encourage both current users to continue to take part in these activities and new faces to join them, maximising the wellbeing of more people."

The following groups were given grants from the community buildings fund: Colonel Jenkins Memorial Hall, Wherwell, Test Valley, £4,953 for a car park.

East Woodhay Village Hall, Basingstoke and Deane, £4,000 for interior decoration of the hall and new curtains.

Hythe United Reformed Church, New Forest, £4,000 for equipment to improve the use of the building.

King Edwards Hall, West Tytherley, Test Valley, £4,407 to renew toilets, improve disabled access, under-stage storage and redecorate the hall.

Longstock Village Hall, Test Valley, £7,538, to replace high power lights, buy equipment and repair the outside to prevent rot and to keep the building weatherproof.

Ramsdell Village Hall, Basingstoke and Deane, £3,498 for repair work to the village hall.

Sarisbury Community Association, Fareham, £4,543 to refurbishing the bar and lounge.

The Open Door Project, Lymington, New Forest, £6,000 to demolish and rebuild the church as a community facility.

Wallington Village Community Association, Fareham, £3,200 for a wall-mounted heating and cooling unit in the main hall.