A GARDENING charity, young footballers and scouts are among 16 organisations receiving support from Manchester Airport.

Sixteen organisations in Cheshire and Greater Manchester are sharing more than £25,000 in grants from Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund.

Trustees consider applications for up to £3,000 of funding for community-led projects or not-for-profit organisations.

The fund was founded in 1997 and has donated more than £3.5 million to community-led projects within 10 miles of the airport.

Among those to benefit this time are Mobberley Junior Football Club, which has received £3,000 for a 20ft shipping container for storing equipment.

David Clayton, a coach at the club, said: “We are extremely grateful for the generous funding from Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund.

“As a community club that has grown significantly in this past year, this funding will allow us to obtain and install much-needed storage space at our home pitch, so we can continue to expand and provide great equipment and facilities for the young boys and girls that benefit from playing football in our village.

“Getting children involved in grassroots sports has so many benefits and this funding will allow the club to continue to provide something of real value to the community.”

Gardening charity Knutsford GROW that helps local frail and disabled people with their gardens has received £285 towards PVC-free banners and flags.

The 1st Knutsford Scout Group has been awarded £1,300 for a combi boiler.

Royce Court Residents’ Association has received £480 for a shed.

Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport, said: “The Community Trust Fund has made an enormous contribution to our neighbouring communities since it was first conceived 25 years ago, and the range of donations agreed at the latest meeting is testament to that.

“If you are involved in a community initiative or not-for-profit group, based within 10 miles of the airport, you can ask for up to £3,000 towards equipment or costed projects, and we would love to hear from you ahead of the trustees’ next meeting in October.”

The Community Trust Fund is overseen by the airport and managed by a committee of independent trustees, formed of councillors from the six local authority areas which fall within the fund’s catchment area.

It provides cash either as a contribution to, or to meet the full cost of, not-for-profit initiatives.

The airport contributes £100,000 per year to the fund, which is topped up by the fines levied on airlines which breach noise restrictions.

To apply visit manchesterairport.co.uk/community

The deadline for the next round of applications is September 5.