Vital funds were given to two community groups in the Tynedale area recently.

The Community Chest grants were presented at the Tynedale Local Area Committee meeting in Hexham House, aiding in the upkeep and development of both groups - 1st Haydon Bridge Scout Group and Slaley Carpet Bowls.

Rob Copley from the 1st Haydon Bridge Scout Group expressed his gratitude, saying: "Everyone was thrilled to receive our grant from the Community Chest.

"The money will be spent on modernising some of our equipment and providing more exciting opportunities and experiences for the young people who make up our membership".

There was a similar sentiment from Karl Beckett representing Slaley Carpet Bowls: "By receiving a grant from the Community Chest, we were able to invest in equipment for the club, and protect our indoor carpet bowls for the future, which provides an important social, sport and community facility for our parish and the wider community in Northumberland."

The Community Chest fund gives out more than a dozen grants each year.