THREE village halls - including Hopton on Sea - are celebrating this week, as news reaches them of successful Grant awards totalling �130,443, made by WREN in their Spring round of funding from the Landfill Communities Fund of Waste Recycling Group Ltd.

THREE village halls - including Hopton on Sea - are celebrating this week, as news reaches them of successful Grant awards totalling �130,443, made by WREN in their Spring round of funding from the Landfill Communities Fund of Waste Recycling Group Ltd.

Hopton-on-sea is currently building new facilities to replace the existing hall, now beyond its maintainable life. WREN has awarded their maximum county grant of �50,000 to the fitting out of the new building which will enable existing and new users to benefit from the many opportunities it will offer.

Ken Hicks, chairman of the Village Hall management committee said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this news - this project means so much to the whole community. With the WREN Grant we will be able to equip both new halls and the kitchen, plus the essential chairs and tables! It is brilliant to finally achieve our goal."

The grants made under the Landfill Communities Fund (formerly known as the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme) look to improve community life by enhancing existing facilities as well as providing new facilities, including play areas and village halls. In addition, historic buildings can also receive funding for restoration work.

Funding has also been awarded to Langley with Hardley village hall, who have been awarded �44,263 towards renovation works and Weeting village hall have received �13,180 towards new hall flooring. The Parish Council at Runcton Holme is looking forward to their new recreation equipment, after being awarded �23,000.

Organisations and community groups requiring funding for community projects should visit www.wren.org.uk to firstly assess their eligibility or contact WREN on 01953 717165.