Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has distributed further financial support to establish warm spaces in response to the rising cost of living.

The Bridge Church, St Ives, has been awarded £400 of community chest funding, Godmanchester Baptist Church has been awarded £450, Sawtry Women's Institute, Huntingdon Methodist Church, and Yaxley Parish Council have each been awarded £500.

This Community Chest Grant funding will help the organisations to deliver Warm Spaces in their local community, making a positive difference to those living in the areas.

Executive Councillor for Community and Health, Cllr Ben Pitt, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to support the set up of additional Warm Spaces across the District with further approved Community Chest Grant funding."

Warm Spaces are welcoming environments where people of all ages can stay warm and participate in something fun whilst meeting new people in their community.

Church Pastor of The Bridge Church, St Ives, Andy Richards, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide a warm place for anyone in the community."

“Our Friday "Drop in" is open to anyone, and we offer warm drinks, home-baked cakes and board games, all free of charge.”

Parish Clerk of Yaxley Parish Council, Helen Taylor, said the money would be spent buying kitchen supplies to provide a warm light lunch.

Helen said: “Last Monday, we saw more than 50 residents pop in, and we served 45 baked potatoes!

"Those attending can’t sing its praises enough, saying that it has given them a warm, friendly place where they can sit amongst friends and enjoy a chat and a bite to eat."

Huntingdon Methodist Church Trustee, Robin Ward, said: “This funding will ensure we can provide not only free hot and cold snacks for all attendees but also a wide choice of table games, books, magazines, CDs and DVDs as well as free WiFi."

Robin added that the warm space will be open every Friday until 5.30pm for everyone.

Lead Pastor of Godmanchester Baptist Church, Daniel Beckett, said: “The funding from HDC means we will be able to offer a warm space with a welcoming atmosphere each Thursday throughout the winter."

The list of available spaces for residents to attend is growing, and it is wonderful to see the community coming together to support each other in this way.”

To find out more information about Warm Spaces in Huntingdonshire, visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/people-communities/warm-spaces.