Two local community groups, 'Godstone at Play' and 'Stepping Stones' in Oxted are the delighted first beneficiaries of grants of £400 each from the Tandridge Community Fund (TCF). TCF was started in 2008 by a small panel of committed Tandridge residents. It is managed by the Community Foundation for Surrey, a charitable trust which aims to inspire more giving in Surrey. TCF is creating a permanent source of funding to support voluntary, community and charitable groups in the local area by awarding grants from the interest and last year local resident David Gold, became TCF's patron.

TCF Chairman, Mike Moss, who was recently awarded an MBE for his services to the community, said: "I am delighted that we can make these first grant awards to such worthwhile local groups. It is getting increasingly difficult for local groups to find funding and we hope that over time, as more local people contribute to the Fund, we will be able to award more of these vital grants."

Stepping Stones provides an essential support network for people in the town who are living with mental health problems. Organiser Sue Kennedy, said: "I can't express how important it is to have money like this coming in to the group. It keeps us going. Outings are essential for the benefit of the group and this grant of £400 will go towards the transport costs so is much appreciated."

Godstone at Play was also awarded £400 towards the costs of a new play space planned for Godstone Green. John Quincey from the Parish Council said: "The new play space will be the first major development on Godstone Green for many years. We're very grateful for this contribution which will help us buy a new bench for the area." The group hope that construction of the play space will start in April when it gets the go-ahead from the Planning Inspectorate with completion in time for the school summer holidays in July.For more information about the Tandridge Community Fund visit www.communityfoundationsurrey.org.uk/tandridge or call Chairman Mike Moss on 01883 713322.