Civic leaders are dishing out more cash to Sidmouth organisations than ever before - as this year’s grants exceed £12,000.

The town council is lending its support to 19 groups, ranging from pre-schools to sports clubs to new initiatives.

Sidmouth’s first walking festival is getting £1,200, while the science week, now in its third year, will receive £1,500.

The newly established Sidmouth Majorettes will benefit from £150 and the Sid Valley Food Bank is being awarded £500:

l Apple Tree Pre-school - £250;

l The Byes Pre-school - £250;

l East Devon Citizens Advice Bureau - £1,000;

l Sidbury Cricket Club - £200;

l Sid Vale Athletics - £200;

l Sid Valley Horticultural Society - £100;

l Sidholme Organ Friends Association - £100;

l Sidmouth Arboretum - £1,000;

l Sidmouth Carnival - £250;

l Sidmouth Choral Society - £400;

l Sidmouth in Bloom - £1,000;

l Sidmouth Sailing Club - £750;

l Sidmouth Junior Surf Lifesaving Club - £1,000;

l Sidmouth Regatta - £1,000;

l Sidmouth Town Band - £2,000;

The council’s grants budget has been set at £10,000 since the 2010/11 financial year, but now stands at £12,850. The cheques will be presented at the annual town assembly at Knowle on April 28.