A Gorleston baton-twirling group is among eleven groups in Norfolk and north Suffolk to have been given a massive funding boost - to the tune of nearly �90,000 - to help pay for a range of exciting community projects.

A Gorleston baton-twirling group is among eleven groups in Norfolk and north Suffolk to have been given a massive funding boost - to the tune of nearly �90,000 - to help pay for a range of exciting community projects.

The Big Lottery Fund today announced the latest wave of grants from the Awards for All programme which will see a total of �300,000 awarded to 42 recipients across the East of England.

Norfolk and north Suffolk will share a pot of �89,881.

In Gorleston more than �7,000 was awarded to a new majorettes group, set up in October, to allow them to buy much-needed equipment and uniforms.

Terry Lumb, troupe manager for the Cystallette Twirlers based said the money would provide the 17 members, aged three to 19, with batons, pompoms and tracksuits so they could begin taking part in competitions.

He said: “This is just the beginning. We're hoping to have our first display at the Dragon Boat race in May.”

Big Lottery Fund's Awards For All programme launched on April 1 2009 with a total of �45m to give out to projects across the country.

East of England spokesman Sara Betsworth said: “A grant from the programme can have a huge impact on local communities and I hope that these successful projects inspire others to get their applications in too.”

Other recipients were Flegg High School, �3,490 and TS Warrior Naval Cadet Corps, Great Yarmouth, �8,164.