A disability support group offering sensory play for children and families is among the latest to be awarded grants by Gosport Borough Council.

The Disability Union were handed £1,440 to help its sell-out messy play group which supports 20 families a session.

In total the council’s Grants Subs Board awarded over £55,000 to support local groups and help popular Gosport events and festivals to run.

Gosport Sunset Festival and Sunrise Party in the Park were both awarded £10,000, Gosport Waterfront Festival CIC given £7,500, while grants also went to ParkFest25 (£2,500), Summer in Lee (£2,000), Victory Parade (£4,000), Gosport Heritage Open Days (£1,500) and Gosport Rotary Club’s Vehicle Rally and Michaelmas Fayre (£4,000).

Community grants were also handed out.

Plan B CIC was given £4,100 to hold pop-up paddle sports for disadvantaged young people aged 10 to 24 at Hardway.

Stronger Together CIC offer activities and support for armed forces veterans aged 50 and over, and was awarded £1,520 to provide a veterans group for women.

Think Big Do Bigger CIC will get £2,500 for a creative project with hard-to-reach groups, while Bridgemary, Rowner and Woodcot Community Association was given £3,000, Gosport Rovers FC £2,040, and Haven Church awarded £300.

Gosport Borough Council Leader Cllr Peter Chegwyn said: Gosport’s events are enjoyed by many thousands of people and families each year and we’re proud that we can continue to support them to run.

“We’re equally proud to support grant bids from local charities and groups who do such invaluable work in our communities, especially those helping young people, families and armed forces veterans.