GROUPS in Halwill, Holsworthy and Ashwater, which have been part of a programme providing funding and development support to projects throughout North Devon, are being celebrated for helping to lever in millions of investment to the local economy.

The five-year Leader 4 Torridge and North Devon Programme, run by accountable body North Devon Plus, aimed to improve the environment, the quality of life and bring prosperity for Torridge and North Devon's rural communities.

Leader 4 Torridge and North Devon, which ended last month, provided £3.14-million in funding. It supported 162 projects, 104 of which were for small businesses.

In Ashwater, Ride the Ruby Country was given a grant for its tourism initiative to promote walking and horse-riding routes and a brand for the area.

Ashwater Shop Association was given a contribution towards the new shop building and fit-out; and Pat May Drainage and Groundworks was able to buy new plant equipment thanks to the grant.

In Halwill, Winsford Trust was given the funds to install a biomass boiler in a historic building used for community purposes; and Halwill Hall Development was given a grant to enable a new extension to accommodate the pre-school and free the hall up for community use.

Grants to businesses and groups in Holsworthy has meant a new website and creation of a new job at Orakle; marketing material for Freebird Design Ltd; and Essies Equine has new equipment to expand services.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.