THOUSANDS of pounds to help with everything from a new cricket scoreboard to defibrillator have been given out by Devizes Area Board.

Grants were awarded to a number of youth and school projects that will help with school and club activities.

The biggest award went to Lavington School which received £6,1003 towards a challenge that will involve 50 students as well as staff and parents taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge next May.

It will be led by school assistant head Lisa Adams who has got the school involved in a number of biking marathons in recent years.

Devizes Youth Club was given £4,998 and Bromham Youth Club £4,514 which will be used to pay for running costs, trip and activities for both clubs.

A community grant of £5,000 went to Devizes Town Council to pay towards new Christmas lights while Devizes Cricket Club got £3,297 towards a scoreboard and Devizes Pre-School received £1,415 towards redeveloping its play area.

People living in The Fairway were given £500 towards a community defibrillator.

Area Board members also did their bit for Devizes Foodbank after organiser Alan Beamish asked for donations of toiletries and household goods.

Devizes community engagement officer Graeme Morrison said: "The foodbank made the suggestion of toiletries or household goods. We had a table and floor surrounding it piled high with stuff."