TWO good causes have each scooped £1,000 funding from a housebuilder.

Basingstoke Gymnastics Club and Mayhill Junior School are the latest recipients of Community Champions awards from Persimmon Homes Thames Valley in its national match-funding scheme which seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment across the region.

Rachel Faulkner, sales director for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “There are so many different voluntary groups helping to make life better for local people, so we are proud to be able to support organisations in our region.

“Neighbourhood sports clubs help to create a real sense of community, while schools often offer an invaluable extra-curricular service where it is most needed. Both of these groups thoroughly deserve our Community Champions awards.”

Basingstoke Gymnastics Club is currently fundraising for a new tumble track mat which coaches say will help them train for the European Championships next month.

Mayhill Junior School was a successful applicant last year, and the follow-up bid is to help the school complete its full refurbishment of a community area for children and families from RAF Odiham and the local community.

Headmaster Tom May said: “Since our last bid, designs have been completed and work will begin at Easter. The money will be used to buy a potting shed, a 6-seater outdoor table, wormery and the plants to get our four house gardening beds started.

“The area will be used by children throughout the school day, and by parents before and after pick up. And during the summer term, as it is attached to our ‘Chill Out’ Club, the area will be used by our wrap-around care club providing childcare from 8am to 6pm for the Odiham community.”

Organisations can apply for funding by completing an online form at persimmonhomes.com/charity.