Two groups remain in the running for community funding

Two causes are still in the running for community funding following a public vote.

The Aviva Community Fund donates money to good causes across the country each year.

Seven organisations from across Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and The Deepings had applied for money this year and made it through to a public voting round.

The results of the vote were announced on Tuesday and of those seven groups, two have made it through to final.

Stamford Amateur Boxing Club hopes to win up to £1,000 for new equipment.

The club recently re-located from the town’s fire station to new premises on West Street. Rent had previously cost £100 per month but now costs eight times that amount, meaning there is less spare cash to pay for equipment.

If the club wins funding from Aviva it plans to buy new sparring gloves and head guards.

The Rutland-based Out Of Hours Club also remains in the running for up to £5,000.

The group supports young adults with disabilities by offering the chance to enjoy social activities and days out.

The success of the group relies on having age appropriate leaders to the young adults feel like they are out with friends rather than parents or carers.

If the groups wins the Aviva money it will help to attract more experienced leaders to expand the activities the group can provide.

The winners will be decided by Aviva judges and will be announced on January 24.

Five organisations have missed out on the money.

Stamford Methodist Church hoped to win up to £25,000 to expand its projects to support people with mental health issues and its food waste scheme.

Kings Cliffe Children Active had also hoped to win money to provide regular sports sessions for young people.

Baston Primary School applied for money to convert a disused bus into a library, Deeping United wants to buy land to build its own facilities and the 1st Thurlby Scout Group need to buy storage equipment and new tents.

Each year the Aviva Community Fund donates money to more than 500 projects across the country with grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000.

Last year a team of first responders from Kendrew Barracks in Cottesmore won £5,000 to support their community work and Inspire2tri at Manton received £1,000 to expand its rehabilitation garden.