More than £200,000 has been given to support 20 groups across North Hertfordshire.

The grants, ranging from £5,000 to £20,000, have been approved for various community groups across the district.

The money comes from the council's Prosperity Fund, a pot of £210,000 funded by the previous government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The grants have been given to sports clubs, gardening and allotment groups, social enterprises, and community organisations for specific projects.

Councillor Val Bryant, executive member for community and partnerships, made the delegated decision in consultation with the service director for legal and community.

She said: "From playground equipment and swimming lessons for children, to singing sessions for older people with dementia and an exciting tech recycling project, these grants help our cash-strapped community sector to provide important local services and have a positive impact on the community and wider environment, which ultimately improves the lives of our residents.

"They all meet at least one of the council’s three priorities – people first, sustainability, and a brighter future together – as well as a government list of interventions."

The largest grants of £20,000 each were given to the Triangle Community Garden in Hitchin and Royston Museum.

The garden will use the money to make plots more accessible, provide a kitchen area, and improve biodiversity, while the museum will upgrade and expand its storage.

Other significant grants include £19,775 to Green Care at Norton for a low-emissions van, and £19,250 to Reed Parish Council for playground equipment.

North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum received £19,134 for community projects and "revitalising their base".

Hitchin Youth Allotment was given £12,225 to expand and offer more opportunities to schools and community groups.

The smaller grants of £5,000 each were given to Herts Musical Memories for weekly singing sessions for older people with dementia, and Beee Creative for the delivery of a dance programme.

Other groups which received grants include Creative Chefs, FC Comets, Groundwork East, Khalsa Youth Football Academy, Letchworth Eagles Football Club, Letchworth Garden Shed, North Herts Centre for Voluntary Service, North Herts Pride, Royston Swimming Club, Stand By Me bereavement support, Walk the Walk, and Zeo Church.