A range of Biddulph clubs will benefit from a share of £200,000 in grants to support them during the difficult Covid-19 period.

Four of the town's much-valued organisations have been included in a list of over 20 clubs across the Moorlands to receive the funding, which is being provided by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Biddulph Bowling Club, Knypersley Cricket Club, Knypersley Knights Football Club, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Knypersley are the four Biddulph clubs to receive grants.

The council has explained that the funding was awarded to help keep the area's beloved clubs in business until people are able to return to taking part in team sports, community activities, exercise classes and gym sessions.

The council is also offering guidance and advice to clubs and community organisations, and is administering the grants from Government schemes such as the Sport England Community Emergency Fund, and the Football Foundation.

Councillor Mark Deaville, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sports, said: "Looking after our physical and mental wellbeing is important at all times but it has been brought into even sharper focus as a result of the lockdown and necessary restrictions to control Covid-19.

"Many of us have adapted our routines to take account of the changed circumstances by exercising at home or in our local areas and will be eagerly awaiting the re-opening of gyms, exercise classes and being able to return to sports clubs and groups when it is safe to do so.

"Thankfully, we've been able to assist clubs and groups across the Moorlands to access the vital funding to help them through this difficult period so that they will still be there to welcome people back when the time is right.

"I'm delighted that, with support from the Council, so many community organisations and clubs providing physical activities have benefited from the funding available which has proved to be a lifeline for them.

"I hope we will all continue with the good habits we might have developed during lockdown and take advantage of what our local clubs have to offer so we can lead active, healthy lives."

The other clubs across the Moorlands to receive grants are as follows:

•Bagnall North CC

•Cheadle Cricket Club

•Leek Archery Club

•Leek Hockey Club

•Leek Town Football Club

•Leek Tennis Club

•Lex Leisure, Thorley Drive

•Rudyard Sailing Club

•Westwood Golf Club