Twenty seven groups scooped their share of Brentwood Council’s ‘big society’ fund on Tuesday night.

The council made �52,500 available to local groups who could demonstrate the value of their work under a scheme it called the Brentwood Share Fund.

Another �6,000 was given out to groups planning Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Among the winners were Hutton Football Club, the Brentwood Sea Cadets and the British Legion Band – who received �5,000 each.

The Brentwood Bag Project – a scheme run by local mum Claire Mackaness – was awarded �4,500.

Claire’s project involves training students from local schools and groups to make re-usable shopping bags from recycled and reclaimed materials, then selling them through local retail businesses.

Claire said: “I’m so pleased to have won the funding and the support from Brentwood Council to get this project up and running and start promoting it.

“It’s a very exciting time and we’re hoping this will be the start of a successful and sustainable project.

She added: “There will be a Social Media Campaign behind the project, which will involve the whole community.

“The public will be encouraged to get involved so watch out for our Twitter campaign coming soon.”

The funds were awarded by the council’s new asset, infrastructure and localism panel.

Its chairman, Cllr Russell Quirk, said: “I am very proud to have been able to confirm the decision to fund some very important projects and ideas in the borough.

“I also want to say thank you to all the residents and community groups who took the time to show their interest for getting involved, it has been very encouraging to see big society spirit alive and well in Brentwood.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the results, its going to be very exciting.”

A Brentwood Share Fund of �55,000 will be made available again next year.