Three cricket clubs have received grants from South Kesteven District Council's CrowdfundSK project to help them survive a season decimated by COVID-19.

Clubs in Barrowby, Barkston and Bourne have each received pledges of £100 from SKDC's assessment panel, matching the amount already promised by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

All have now reached their appeal targets, but their fund-raising is continuing until the end of June.

The panel also agreed to pledge £8,808 to the COVID-19 Grantham Volunteer Responders and extended its fund-raising period until the end of June to help the group reach its target of £17,181.

The Take a Seat at North Witham Village Hall appeal has been pledged £1,215 towards its target of £1,662 to buy new furniture, ready to welcome bookings and visitors once coronavirus measures allow.

Cllr Kelham Cooke, Leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: "It's really important for us to be supporting projects that need extra help during the Coronavirus pandemic. Sport will be important for people of all ages as the district eases out of lockdown, whether they are participating or watching. I am pleased that the Council has been able help these cricket clubs, supporting sport at a grassroots level."

Barrowby Juniors Cricket Club, formed last year, needed funds to service and maintain equipment and buy junior training aids. With 35 children attending training sessions, one girl cricketer new to the sport progressed to play for Nottinghamshire County Under 11s.

In Barkston, the longstanding cricket club's appeal will help keep it viable through the crisis, stage junior coaching when possible, send people on training courses and buy junior training equipment.

Bourne Cricket Club's fund-raising will support club funds, help to ensure the future of planned development projects and maintain its role as a welcoming club for players young and old, male and female.

CrowdfundSK works in partnership with crowdfunding platform Spacehive to offer a way to raise money quickly by connecting people with local causes. Anyone can back a campaign safely online with as little as £2. Pledges are only redeemed when an appeal reaches its target.

To support projects go to https://www.spacehive.com/movement/crowdfundsk/projects