A wind farm located between Longtown and Gretna has contributed more than £1m in grants to the surrounding community.

The Beck Burn Wind Farm, owned by EDF Renewables UK, began generating enough power for 18,000 homes from its nine turbines in 2017.

As part of its commitment, EDF agreed to pay £155,250 per annum to community initiatives within a 10-kilometre radius.

This is managed through the Cumbria Community Foundation.

A recent grant of £10,300 given to the Springfield & Gretna Green Community Asset Trust to replace windows at Stormont Hall in Gretna Green has pushed the total grants amount above £1m.

Simon Ling, asset manager for Beck Burn Wind Farm, said: "It's wonderful to see such a significant milestone be reached.

"We are thrilled to see such worthy projects receive funding to enhance the lives of those living in and around Longtown and Gretna and look forward to hearing more over the coming months."

The Raydale Community Partnership has become the single largest recipient, receiving grants totalling £85,000 since 2018.

The non-profit group was formed after Gretna FC collapsed to repurchase the club's home ground, Raydale Park, for the local community.

The received grants have facilitated the construction of a 3G multi-discipline sports pitch, a fitness and leisure space, and new changing rooms.

Stuart Rome, facilities manager at Raydale Community Partnership, said: "Gretna has lacked a safe space for children and teenagers to participate in sports.

"We now have more than 250 users of our facilities.

"We’re grateful for EDF Renewables UK’s support for the mental and physical wellbeing of our community."

Meanwhile, the Longtown Memorial Hall and Community Centre in Cumbria have received £28,000, with an additional £20,000 awarded.

Centre manager Steph Graham said: "Our reception area hasn’t been touched for around 40 years.

"With this grant, we’re going to open it up to make it much more welcoming with a community café and a seated area so people can come in, meet their friends and make use of the free wifi."

The Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund prioritises grants to volunteer-led or community groups within a five-kilometre radius, although groups up to 10 kilometres away can apply if they deliver benefits in the five-kilometre area.

It supports projects that are environmental, educational, sporting or community related.

Part of the fund is allocated for education and training grants for individuals aged over 16 residing within the vicinity.

Lisa Blackwell, grants and programmes officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: "This fund provides a valuable, long-term, sustainable and reliable source of income for local communities."

To find out more about available funding, visit: www.cumbriafoundation.org