Local MP Nigel Huddleston has praised a huge investment of almost £40,000 into local communities.

The National Lottery Community Fund has announced it will be awarding funding to four projects in the Mid Worcestershire area.

Offenham Village Hall has been awarded funding to replace window while Himbleton Parish Hall has received £10,000 to upgrade the kitchen, sound system and other outdated facilities.

Meanwhile the Three Parishes Hall, which serves Flyford Flavell, Grafton Flyford and North Piddle, has been awarded a grant to create a wildlife area and lawn which is hoped to enable outdoor activities.

This is alongside just under £10,000 which is to be awarded to Yellow Scarf CIO, an Evesham-based charity which aims to help ex-pats overcome problems such as addiction and mental health.

A support group for people with alcohol addictions is set to start in October which will be led by addiction psychotherapist Rafal Piekarczyk.

Mr Huddleston, the MP for Mid Worcestershire, has recently been appointed the Minister for Civil Society and is delighted to see over £37,000 of funding awarded to these four causes.

He said: “Investment into our local communities is very much welcome, and I’m pleased that these projects have been awarded grants.

“The funding will help improve services to local residents, and will help build back our communities after a difficult time.

“As I take on this new brief as Minister for Civil Society, I look forward to seeing and hearing more about the amazing work these charities and community hubs are doing and how we can better support them.”

Last week Mr Huddleston visited Honeybourne Village Hall which opened earlier this year thanks to funding from the National Lottery.

He said: “Pleased to visit the new Honeybourne Village Hall and meet the Parish Council and community team who do so much for the village and surrounding area.

“And thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, Wychavon Council, and all donors and fundraisers for helping turn the dream into reality.