Good causes in two Northamptonshire villages have received £1,000 donations to support their community activities.

The Dickens Field Trust Charity and Roade FC u6s were selected by Midlands to receive the funding through the Community Champions scheme which assists grassroots organisations helping to make a positive difference in the areas where the company is building.

Sales director Claire Dearsley said: “The beauty of our Community Champions initiative is the wide range of organisations that we are able to support. We make two donations of up to £1,000 every month to groups in our region and every worthy winner is helping to make lives better for local people.”

The Dickens Field Trust Charity was set up in 2019 by a group of Rothersthorpe residents aiming to build a children’s play area and community open space – something currently lacking in the village.

The group has already raised around £10,000 through regular fundraising events towards the play equipment and maintenance needed to establish the facility. Anyone interested can find out more at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/playground4rothersthorpe

Roade FC operates teams from U6s to adults, based at Hyde Road in the village. The FA Charter Standard Club also provides a vibrant social hub for local people at its clubhouse and function room. Persimmon’s £1,000 donation will enable the club to purchase playing kit and rain jackets for its U6 team. For more information about the team, visit www.roadefc.com

Claire Dearsley added: “We are pleased to be able to help these two very different organisations and hope that many more Northamptonshire voluntary groups, clubs, schools and charities will make applications for funding.”

To apply for a Community Champions donation visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

Midlands operates new homes developments throughout Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.