From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, March 12, 2008

Seven organisations in the Torridge area are to receive cash boosts from their local Devon County Councillors.

The leaking asbestos roof at Roborough Village Hall is to be replaced with the help of £3,000 from Councillor John Rawlinson.

Cllr Rawlinson said: "If the roof isn't replaced the hall will have to close. The whole village benefits from the hall including the preschool, judo and youth clubs."

The village hall at Welcome is also to be refurbished and a children's playground created with the help of money from Cllr Humphrey Temperley who is giving £1,000 towards the project.

Elderly residents who attend a lunch club will be treated to some exercise sessions at the Winsford Day Centre with the help of a £500 grant from Cllr Des Shadrick. The fun sessions will be led by a fitness consultant.

Cllr Shadrick has also given a similar amount to the Rock Solid Youth Group in Holsworthy. The group carry out youth outreach work in the rural area surrounding Holsworthy and are planning a Youth Rock event in the Memorial Hall in December.

A further £500 has also been given by Cllr Shadrick to Holsworthy Chamber of Trade and Commerce for a project to market the town to attract visitors.

Holsworthy Cricket Club has also received £500 from Cllr Shadrick from new equipment for youth coaching sessions and to encourage underprivileged youngsters to take part in training.