A parish council has scooped a share of a £70,000 fund.

Somerford Keynes Parish Council has scooped a share of the fund thanks to Calor’s rural community fund initiative.

The money will go towards improving the biodiversity of the village lake as well as increasing educational opportunities available from the site.

Now in its third year, the Calor rural community fund is designed to offer rural communities that aren't connected to the mains gas grid, the chance to gain funding for projects that will improve local life.

The Somerford Keynes Village Lake was one of 21 winners who have benefitted from the donation which they will be using to help install a pond dipping platform, owl boxes, camera equipment and a small shed.

John Whitwell, Somerfield Keynes parish councillor, said: “The members of our Somerford Keynes Village Lake Committee are thrilled to be the recipients of £5,000 from the Calor rural community fund.

"This will enable a step change to take place in how we develop the village lake in the future.

"We will be making the lake more interesting for local people and especially families with children.

"Our village is located within the Cotswold Water Park where the lakes are increasingly developed commercially for tourism.

"Our village lake is an oasis of tranquillity by comparison and ideal for developing its biodiversity.”

Each entry was judged based on its potential impact on the local community, its sustainability once launched, the originality of the idea and the quality of the submission.

Andy Parker, head of strategy and corporate affairs at Calor, added: “Once again, we’ve had a fantastic response to our rural community fund and the high standard of entries this year made the final decision incredibly difficult.

"What’s been clear to see is just how passionate these rural communities are in creating ventures that will nurture and make a meaningful difference to those who live in the area.

“Our fund is all about giving something back to rural off-grid communities and we congratulate the winners who have all put forward proposals that will make a big impact on people’s lives.

"We commend the Somerford Keynes Parish Council on the project that has been put forward and we can’t wait to see it come to life.”