THIRTY-SIX organisations have been given a total of £35,000 by this year's record-busting Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show.

It is the highest amount ever handed out in a single year by the show and secretary Tony Greenham praised the volunteer helpers, local companies and general public for their part in keeping it so successful.

"We received tremendous public support with about 27,000 visitors coming along over the three days.

"It was good weather, a smashing show and the reports we're getting back indicate that people really enjoyed it," he said.

Mr Greenham also pointed out that plans are well under way for next year's show from July 26-28, with numerous attractions already booked.

They include the Portsmouth Area VCC field gun display team, Ye Olde Red Tail Falconry Display, world record-breaking strong man John Evans and stunt, illusion and fire act The Kondinis.

There will also be the usual spectacular line-up of steam engines, steam rollers, vintage vehicles including one of Britain's biggest displays of vintage motorcycles, a street market, funfair and real ale bar.

A full programme of evening entertainment is also being lined up for the Friday and Saturday, with further details available on 023 8086 7882.

There was no major beneficiary from this year's show, but significant grants were made to help pre-school play groups meet the requirements of Ofsted inspectors.

Grants made by the show this year were: £6,950 - Ashurst Pre-School. £6,125 - Woodlands Pre-School. £4,700 - Foxhills Infant School. £1,200 - Eastleigh Diving Club, Millbrook Rugby Club, St John Ambulance. £1,150 - 4th New Forest Eling Sea Scouts. £1,000 - Netley Marsh Church Restoration Fund, Netley Marsh Church Hall Fund, Bartley C of E Junior School, Eling Tide Mill. £900 - Netley Marsh Scouts. £600 - Church Hall curtains, Hythe 2495 Air Training Corps. £500 - Barton Sea Scouts, St Edward's Sub Aqua Club, Fire Service Benevolent Fund, Ambulance Benevolent Fund, Calmore CC Kwik Cricket Club, Marchwood Orchestra. £400 - Solent Old Fire Engine Association. £375 - Netley Marsh School PTA. £300 - Centre Stage Theatre (Totton), Leukaemia Busters. £250 - Colbury Church, Trinity Church Boys and Girls Brigade, 2nd New Forest Stanley's Own Playgroup, Totton and District Three Score Club, Lymington Museum (Moore and Blatch support). £200 - WTW (Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy), Totton Opportunity Playgroup. £150.