SPORTY community groups in Cumbria will be able to benefit from money raised through Sport Relief earlier this year as the county has been awarded £36,000.

Cumbria Community Foundation has been asked to distribute the grants to groups that are using sport to: l Increase access to sport and exercise for people facing social exclusion or isolation.

l Help people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives to regain their confidence and self-esteem.

l Encourage people to take part in sporting activities which bring communities together.

There is £36,000 available over two years and grants can range from £250 to £5,000.

Director of Cumbria Community Foundation Andrew Beeforth said: "We are really pleased that some of the money raised by people in Cumbria who took part in the Sport Relief fund raising events has come back to Cumbria to support local people."

Applications for grants should be made through the Community Foundation's standard procedure and will be considered by their usual grant panels. For further information contact Roger Hart at the Cumbria Community Foundation, Unit 6b, Lakeland Business Park, Cockermouth, CA13 0QT. He can be phoned on 01900-825760 or visit the website at www.cumbriafoundation.org