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Young gymnasts in Spalding will benefit from a better training environment after receiving a donation of £250 from Allison Homes via the Larkfleet Homes Community Fund.

The fund has given the cash to Spalding & District Gymnastics Academy to help maintain equipment and meet the running costs of its building.

The community fund supports groups which focus on activities that enhance or develop local communities. It makes grants to charities or voluntary organisations within ten miles (16 kilometres) of any housing development by Larkfleet Homes or Allison Homes, both part of The Larkfleet Group of Companies which is based in Bourne, Lincolnshire.

Allison Homes is currently building new homes at Pinchbeck Fields near Spalding – a new development of 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom houses on the edge of the Lincolnshire village of Pinchbeck. 

Lynn Bell of Spalding & District Gymnastics Academy said: “The money from Allison Homes will be used to maintain equipment. As the years go by, and the club gets busier, the equipment and building are getting older. We have recently had to purchase new heating/air conditioning which cost £8,000 but this is a necessity. The club plays a massive role in the community for children’s fitness, socialising and discipline.”

The club now has around 450 children from Spalding and the surrounding area – including three groups of disabled children – using the facility each week. There are classes for boys & girls recreational gymnastics, plus after school classes, mums & tots groups and classes for pre-school children. The club is also used by Sense, The Priory School and the Garth School.

Karl Hick, CEO of Allison Homes and a keen sportsman himself, said: “Gymnastics, and sport generally, is a great way to give young people a constructive outlet for their enthusiasm and energy. It helps to teach self-confidence and self-discipline and helps to tackle the obesity crisis affecting society as a whole. We are delighted to support initiatives such as this through our community fund.”

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation manages The Larkfleet Homes Community Fund on Larkfleet’s behalf. Any community or voluntary group wishing to find out more about the fund can visit www.tiny.cc/larkfleet-fund, telephone 01223 410535 or email info@cambscf.org.uk.