Community groups are celebrating after receiving an unexpected funding boost.

Groups in Weymouth and Portland have got this boost, after the council provided £50,000 worth of funding.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council set aside funding from its reserves for a community and voluntary sector grant fund in August 2017.

The grant fund was £50,000 and applications were invited from local groups and organisations, with applications received from 36 local organisations for 38 projects totalling £230,830.

Grants were assessed according to agreed priorities benefitting some of the most deprived areas of the Borough, with money awarded to 26 different organisations to deliver 28 local projects.

The following clubs received funding:

* Brendoncare Clubs

* B-Side Arts

* Chapelhay Community Playgarden

* Citizens Advice Weymouth and Portland

* C-Siders (Weymouth & Portland Cancer Support Group)

* Dorset Domestic Abuse Welfare Committee

* Dorset Wildlife Trust

* Dorset Youth Association

* Friends of Castle Cove Beach

* Friends of MV Freedom

* Friends of Radipole Gardens

* Friends of the Marsh

* Islanders Club for Young People

* Weymouth & Portland Amblers

* L,GB&T Dorset Equality Network

* Opportunities R Un Limited

* Parenting Platform Project

* Portland Museum Trust

* Refresh

* Spirit of Life Community Band

* Steps Club for Young People

* The Horse Course

* The Wey Valley School

* Westham Community Group

* Weymouth Family Church

* Weymouth Sea Scouts

Speaking of their funding of £4,000 to help with their delivery of strengthening families , Director of Dorset Youth Association Dave Thompson said: "We are absolutely delighted as it helps us to continue the vital work in supporting families in Weymouth and Portland."

For one charity, this funding boost was not going to stop their current fundraising.

Mike Goulden, Chair of The Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens said: "The group had already raised £3000 from last years fundraising events, and with the grant we now have over £6000 towards our target.

"We have events planned throughout this summer and the profits will also go into this fund."

"When we have reached the target we hope to maximise these funds by appealing to local businesses and contractors to assist our volunteers in a DIY SOS style project."

Cllr Christine James, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council's Briefholder for Social Inclusion said: "It's important for the borough council to maintain strong links with our local community and voluntary groups.

"Without these groups, many projects and events wouldn't be possible.

"We owe a big thank you to these groups for all they do.

"We had lots of applications and have granted some funding to most of them.

"I look forward to seeing the results of their work."

To see the full amount of funds each group received, visit news.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/2018/01/17/groups-funding-boost