Two guide and brownie packs in Northamptonshire have become the first groups to be given a cash boost by Persimmon Homes as part of its year-long initiative to support local communities.

First Bugbrooke Brownies and 4th Rushden Guides have each received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes Midlands.

The donation to the two groups has kickstarted Persimmon’s Community Champions project, which will see a pot of £24,000 donated to local organisations and charities over the next 12 months throughout the region.

Two groups will now be chosen every month to receive a match-funding donation and organisations are being encouraged to apply by completing an online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

Persimmon Homes Midlands, which has housing developments at The Paddocks, in Bugbrooke, and at Rushymead, in Rushden, was impressed by the work of both groups.

Managing director Richard Oldroyd said: “We are delighted to support these two groups because it is important for us to become a part of the community wherever we build."

The 1st Bugbrooke Brownies, which has been in the village for more than 50 years, is raising money for new equipment so they can take the youngsters on a weekend camp.

Spokeswoman Toni Copp said: “We are very grateful for Persimmon’s support. We have 22 Brownies in our unit and it will be great to take them away.”

The 4th Rushden Guides is also fundraising for a Girlguiding Organised Holiday in Switzerland in 2016.

Spokeswoman Claire Snelling said: “We encourage our members to take part in lots of activities and through this they gain confidence, new skills and make friends for life.”

The Persimmon Community Champions initiative is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves.  Nationwide the company will donate a total of £750,000.