HAMPSHIRE County Council’s executive member for culture, recreation and the countryside announced more than £60,000 of grants for 15 community groups and halls, including one to help the Kingsley Centre.

At his September 18 decision day, Andrew Gibson approved Community Buildings Capital Fund grants of £43,730 and Culture and Community Activity Grants of £16,585.

Among those to benefit was the Kingsley Organisation, which received £1,820 towards two six-week IT courses at the Kingsley Centre, helping vulnerable people by improving their digital skills.