A school, a gym and a woodland are among the locations in Kent set to receive a share of a multi-million pound government fund.

Projects in Dartford, Leybourne and Margate have all been given a major cash boost.

Forty-five spaces across the country will receive more than £12.3m thanks to the Community Ownership Fund.

It will allow The Margate School to undertake essential repairs with £400,000 that will secure a long-term future for the not-for-profit art school.

Dartford Gym and Youth Club, also known as Europa Gym, will undergo essential refurbishment with £244,920 to restore it as a space for local schools, clubs and community organisations to engage in sport and social activities.

Leybourne Parish Council has been granted £120,000 to purchase Leybourne Woods – to ensure the sustained protection of the area as a biodiverse natural habitat that is accessible to the public.

Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said: “Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing to secure the future of cherished community institutions.

“These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities.”

The Community Ownership Fund has now given £49.3 million for 195 projects across the UK.

This includes almost £8 million for 33 pubs so that customers can still go to their beloved local, and £14.6 million for 66 community centres so they can continue to play an important role in people’s lives.

Among them was The George pub in Bethersden, which previously benefited from a £250,000 grant.

It shut during Covid and the owners decided to sell up and retire – but locals were able to get the doors open again in May and are now planning for the future.

Local resident Alex Withington said: “We’re going to have a café that opens during the day too.

“When we did a survey, a lot of people said they wanted somewhere during day to use as well.

“We’re also looking to have a petanque area and a community library in the pub.

“We’re just so happy to have helped restore The George to the heart of Bethersden for our community.”

Changes that came into effect for this round also meant that all projects could bid for up to £1 million in funding and the amount organisations needed to match fund decreased to 20%, which allowed more places to benefit.

It is the first time that applicants have been able to benefit from support with the development of their application and business case, through the Community Ownership Fund development support provider, led by Locality.

Chief Executive Tony Armstrong said: “Throughout the country, inspiring local groups are breathing new life into pubs, police stations, schools, music halls and more.

“We are proud to be playing our part in helping these groups realise their vision by offering specialist advice and support throughout the application process.

“The success of COF once again proves the huge impact that can be made by backing local people’s talent and enthusiasm to run cherished local buildings for the local community.

“Our mission is to continue to support communities to play a powerful role in supporting their community.”

The Community Ownership Fund is currently open again for bids and will close on Wednesday October 11 – groups are being urged to apply for up to £2m in funding for the very first time.