by Katie Alston and Adam Williams

Dreams have come true this week for two groups of community fundraisers.

ITV Meridian's People's Millions initiative, backed by the Big Lottery Fund, has awarded grants to projects in both Herne Bay and Whitstable, after widespread public support.

All this week, two community projects across the soutyh east have gone head-to-head for their chance to win grants. The winners were then chosen from a public telephone vote and announced on the following night's programme.

Joy Lane Primary School in Whitstable and the Herne Bay Arts & Cultural Centre were both chosen as winners in their respective heats.

ITV Meridian's Andrew Pate congratulates the team on behalf of the Herne Bay Arts & Cultural Centre. Picture: Barry Goodwin.

On Wednesday, ITV Meridian presenter Andrew Pate surprised supporters at the Kings Hall, Herne Bay with the news viewers had backed the bid, supported by the Herne Bay Improvement & Conservation Trust.

£49,970 will help pay for building materials to convert the building's Edwardian foyer into a permanent exhibition space for artists and community groups.

Work will be carried out by design and construction students at Canterbury College.

Doreen Stone from the Improvement & Conservation Trust was overwhelmed by the news.

She said: “It’s absolutely wonderful news and we’re so grateful for all the people who have come together on this and more importantly, picked up the phone and voted for us.

“We desperately needed this money for the building materials and we’re so delighted to have got hold of it.

“The college students will benefit through having work experience and gaining qualifications and once complete, this space will give a chance to so many people to exhibit their work and feel part of the community.”

Loud cheers and screams echoed through the rickety and rundown Joy Lane Primary School swimming pool on Friday when the news was confirmed of their win.

A 'phenomenal’ amount of support meant the school was victorious in their bid for £50,000 to develop their pool.

ITV Meridian's Rachel Hepworth interviews pupils after the announcement of the result of the People's Millions vote in favour of Joy Lane School swimming pool on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey.

The money will help in weatherproofing the 30-year-old facility, so children and members of the community can swim all year round, changing rooms can be built and disabled access can be improved.

As well as a Facebook campaign and handing out leaflets at local supermarkets, the school gained the support of former pupils, including Kent and England cricketer Joe Denly and kmfm DJ Rob Wills.

Although there are still a few thousand pounds left to collect, it is hoped work can be started in the next academic year. It is estimated that the project will cost £100,000.

Head teacher Debra Hines said: “We could not be more pleased and we are so grateful to everyone who supported us. It is wonderful news.

“This is for the community and the money will widen the scope of the pool ten fold.

“The children are so excited, and looking forward to being able to swim all year round.”

See more reaction and pictures in next week's Whitstable Gazette.