Victoria Leggett Eleven groups in Norfolk and north Suffolk have been given a funding boost - to the tune of nearly �90,000 - to help pay for community projects.The Big Lottery Fund today announces 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.

Victoria Leggett

Eleven groups in Norfolk and north Suffolk have been given a funding boost - to the tune of nearly �90,000 - to help pay for community projects.

The Big Lottery Fund today announces 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 - with three organisations, including Swannington Play Area, near Reepham, and Morley Village Hall, near Wymondham, given the maximum �10,000 grant.

One of the area's big winners is King George VI School in Great Bircham, near King's Lynn, which has already used its �9,905 grant to buy a "virtual fitness instructor".

The Cyber Coach is a computer system which projects a number of workout programmes on to a large screen for people to follow - without the need for a real-life instructor.

Headteacher Sue Fletcher said, as well as encouraging healthy living for the school's 17 pupils and teachers, she hoped the equipment would encourage the wider community to come along and take part.

She said: "We want to offer it to the village as well, including elderly people in the area. There are all different keep-fit sessions on there to suit all abilities. The school is open to the community. We want it to be used a lot more."

More than �7,000 was awarded to a new majorettes group, set up in October, to allow them to buy equipment and uniforms.

Terry Lumb, troupe manager for the Crystalette Twirlers based in Gorleston, said the money would provide the 17 members, aged three to 19, with batons, pompoms and tracksuits so they could begin entering 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 was 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 communities and I hope these successful projects inspire others to get their applications in."