Over 100 community groups and 15 parish councils in Tonbridge and Malling will receive almost £219,000 in funding from the borough council.

The announcement marks the end of the third round of bidding for funding from the £500,000 Community Enhancement Fund.

It was set up in 2011 using money allocated to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council from the government's new Homes Bonus Scheme.

The fund is dedicated to supporting local projects that will make a difference to residents.

The third round of bidding was open to community groups, parish/town councils and voluntary sector organisations and charities.

Organisations were able to apply for grants of up to £2,500 and priority was given to projects that wouldn't take place without support from the fund.

Funding was awarded for a variety of community projects including:

• Life-saving defibrillators for Aylesford Active Retirement Association and Kings Hill Parish Council
• Essential equipment for the Bridge Trust to help homeless people
• Funding for the Derwent Day Centre to create a garden with disabled access for the isolated elderly in Tonbridge
• Funding for the installation of new Christmas lighting in Snodland
• Help towards the cost of a minibus for Heart of Kent Hospice patients in Tonbridge and Malling
• Much needed sports equipment for clubs and groups across the borough

An extra £1,000 was donated by the Tonbridge and Malling Seniors' Forum (TAMS) to help fund projects submitted by older people's groups.

“Congratulations to all the organisations that were successful in this latest round of funding" - Cllr Martin Coffin...

Cllr Martin Coffin, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s cabinet member for finance, innovation and property, said: “Congratulations to all the organisations that were successful in this latest round of funding.

"I was very impressed by the quality of the bids we received this year and I continue to be full of admiration for the many dedicated volunteers in the borough who are prepared to take responsibility for improving the lives of local people.”

Cllr Mark Rhodes, cabinet member for communities, health and community safety, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to support so many worthwhile projects again this year and I look forward to visiting local groups and parishes as their projects come to fruition.”