SEVENTEEN community groups have each been awarded with funding of up to £500.

The groups include Northfleet Cricket Club in Wombwell Park, Mitchell Avenue, Northfleet Youth Centre in Hall Road and Northfleet Age Concern in Coldharbour Road.

All the cash was presented to the groups at a ceremony held at the Gravesham Civic Centre by mayor Councillor Ken Jones and the money was given as part of the community chest grants.

These grants have to be applied for by the groups during the year and are provided by Gravesham Council.

The groups will be spending the money on a variety of things including setting up exercise programmes for the elderly, construction of a school vegetable garden, sports kits for local sports clubs and tools for maintenance and restoration works.

Lead member for community, Councillor David Turner, said: “It’s nice to be able to help a group that has a great idea. A small cash injection from the council can make a lot of difference to the viability of a scheme.

“We were very impressed with the applications we received and the huge voluntary effort which will ensure success.”