Communities in Upottery and Culmstock are to benefit from new leisure facilities after receiving a funding boost from Devon County Council (DCC) using proceeds from the sale of Exeter International Airport.

The Upottery 'Young at Heart' scheme has received £32,000 through DCC's Community Fund and an additional £21,000 from Honiton St Paul councillor, Roger Boote, through a local projects fund. A new cricket pitch, double all-weather tennis courts and improved drainage for the Upottery's existing football pitch are included in the project, while new changing rooms will also be provided through an initiative to recycle a portakabin formerly used by the village school.

Richard Wells of the Upottery Playing Field Association said: "This is a huge step forward for the village and its commitment to providing seriously good playing and coaching facilities for our up-and-coming generation of cricketers, footballers and tennis-players." Meanwhile, Culmstock Playing Field will undergo improvement works after receiving £15,000 from the council's Schools Estates Development Fund. A purpose-built play area, a BMX track with teenage shelter and a picnic area will be created as part of the scheme.

Willand Uffculme councillor, Ray Radford, said: "his money will benefit hugely the youth of Culmstock. There are very few recreational facilities for the young at heart and this will act as a starter for more to come in the future."