A HOUSING association has provided more than £15,000 in funding to three community projects across Dorset.

Sturminster Newton’s youth club project, SturYouth Club, was one of the beneficiaries to receive the cash boost alongside Twynham Church youth cafe in Christchurch and an creative arts charity in Bournemouth called Vita Nova - who all received a share of £15,700 in funding.

All awarded projects had to focus on growing their community impact.

Rachel Peters, community development officer for Sovereign, said: "Our themes were community cohesion and growth and it has been great to support so many grassroots and resident-led projects that focus on bringing people back together and will make a real impact in our communities.”

Sovereign is one of the largest housing associations in the UK, managing many homes in Dorset.