Charities, community organisations and sports teams in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire will benefit from a combined total of £11,000 from the latest round of Mansfield Building Society’s Community Support Scheme awards — and groups have been urged to apply for awards in 2016.

Established in 2008, a panel of Mansfield Building Society staff and members meets twice yearly to give financial awards of typically around £500 each to local groups and good causes.

In 2015, a total of £20,000 was awarded to more than 36 local groups, including Mansfield Town Ladies (pictured). Current beneficiaries include Mansfield Choral Society.

Product and marketing manager Mike Taylor said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting a wide range of communities in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire with awards that will leave a lasting legacy.

“For example, Autism East Midlands can now purchase a fibre optic carpet to help people affected by the condition, and Mansfield Choral Society will have new music folders to help them rehearse and perform.”

The next round of awards is due to take place in the spring and organisations working for the benefit of the community in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are encouraged to apply.