PROJECTS to help young people preparing for the world of work were among scores to benefit from more than £800,000 of grants awarded to community groups by Surrey County Council members last year.

Each of the county council’s 81 councillors is given an allocation every year to donate to projects in their local area that help promote the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of their community.

Among them were nearly £10,000 from nine members towards installing nine public defibrillators, and almost £5,500 from 12 members towards helping Surrey Search and Rescue find and rescue vulnerable people.

David Hodge, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “There are all fantastic examples of how even a small amount of funding can make a big difference in the communities we serve.”

Community groups looking to apply for money from this year’s members’ allocations should contact their local county councillor.