A scheme to build a new nuclear power station in Somerset has been awarded over £13 million to community initiatives in the South-West.

The cash has come from Hinkley Point C's Community Funds, which have provided vital support to local charities, voluntary organisations, local authorities, and other groups across the region.

£20 million will be awarded to groups during the project's construction phase, with four different types of grants currently open to applicants.

Andrew Cockcroft, Senior Community Relations Manager at Hinkley Point C said: "Our community funding is changing lives for the better now and for many years to come. I'm proud we’ve reached this milestone and I look forward to continuing our work in ensuring local people benefit from Hinkley Point C."

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Cheddar Parish Council has unveiled its new Community Pavilion – which has been renovated and extended, after being awarded £320,000 from the funding made available for community projects. The building, which previously featured changing rooms and a kitchenette, now includes a bar area, kitchen, and spacious meeting hall. It will be used by local sports clubs and will be available to hire.

Chair of Cheddar Parish Council, Derek Bradley-Balmer said: "This is now a vital asset which can be used by everyone in Cheddar. It’ll make a huge difference to our local sports clubs and countless other community groups - it has already been booked out for a few weddings! This revamp wouldn’t have been possible without the Hinkley Point C’s Community Fund."

Other organisations that have recently benefitted from the fund include the Sedgemoor Dementia Action Alliance, which is using a £5,000 grant to put on a 'memory café' for local people living with dementia. The event, which is being held at The Hub in Bridgwater’s Angel Place Shopping Centre, surrounds people with items from the past, in the hope of unlocking memories. The community centre, Minehead Eye is also using a grant of £148,840 to put on a series of activities and events for local youngsters.