GOOD causes across the Lakes are benefitting from a £75,000 annual windfall.

Initiatives as diverse as a village snowplough and gritter, cinema clubs and a BMX track being supported with grants from £500 to £5,000 thanks to the Lake District Communities Fund.

Since it was set up in 2012, 52 projects have been supported to the tune of nearly £140,000.

Organised by Lake District National Park’s five park management rangers, they oversee an easy grant application and allocation process covering widespread interests.

Aimed at boosting opportunities in rural areas, each ranger has a £15,000 annual budget for approved projects.

Fund leader Graham Standring said: “Right across the Lake District we’ve been able to help with some amazing schemes.

“Ten have received the maximum £5,000 grant, including Keswick’s BMX track, Ennerdale’s impressive plans for a community hub and Penruddock’s village hall, near Penrith.

“Troutbeck, near Windermere, got £1,600 towards the village snowplough and gritter, we gave £1,500 for the rainwater harvesting system at Grasmere’s public loos and £3,000 for the cinema club at Oxen Park, near Greenodd.

“Threlkeld has just been offered £2,000 for youth action, while Gosforth received £2,200 for its agricultural show development plans.”

Graham said applying for a grant was straightforward, with only three pages to fill in.

“We are keen to hear from communities who need help with specific schemes,” he added.

All the information is available online at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/localcommunities/communitiesfund