Newton Poppleford Pavilion has secured a £5,000 grant from the district council to replace its old kitchen.

East Devon District Council has given the top amount available through its community buildings fund.

The scheme is open to village halls, community buildings and shops in rural areas not covered by a town council to improve facilities.

Councillor Ian Thomas, chairman of the community buildings fund, said: “I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to help provide funding for such worthy projects. It’s really important that our rural communities are supported, sometimes the village hall is the only meeting place.”

The council also granted £1,772 to Brampford Speke village hall to help provide disabled access.

The fund is closed to applications for the rest of the financial year.