Two community groups from the Norwich area are celebrating after being awarded �6,000 in funding.

Costessey Sports Club and The Wing and a Prayer Wild Bird and Owl Haven in Stratton Strawless have both received the NatWest CommunityForce awards after topping a vote for funding.

Together with the Wymondham Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre, they received the most votes in the Norwich and Great Yarmouth section of the contest that saw organisations and charities go against each other for the chance to win the money.

Costessey Sports Club will be using their grant to buy more aluminium mini training goals.

The football club, which has two men's adult teams, a ladies' team and youth teams from under-fives to under-16s, will also use it for the ongoing development of the club and to keep the cost for those wanting to play as low as possible.

Chairman of the club Alastair Kerridge said 'It means so much to the club, both in terms of the amount of equipment we can buy and the support we can offer, not just this year but in the next few years.

'We are so grateful to those who took the time to vote, it means a lot to the club.'

The Wing and a Prayer Wild Bird and Owl Haven will be using the grant to complete their new �14,000 hospital.

The hospital allow the haven to increase the number of birds it looks after from 600 this year to around 1,200 next year.

Trustee Richard Gallop said they were absolutely delighted that people had voted for them and thanked all for their support.

He said: 'It was very hard work to keep on top of things in the space we had, so this will make the life of our volunteers a lot easier.'

Wymondham Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre will use their money to improve their toilet, kitchen and changing facilities.

Has your group received a funding boost? Call 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk