West Buckland and Langford Budville are among 40 Somerset communities to receive a share of £1 million to help them tackle the impacts of climate change.

County council leader Cllr David Fothergill announced the £1 million Somerset Climate Emergency Community Fund last year.

Community organisations and councils were invited to bid for grants of between £5,000 and £75,000 for projects that can make a real difference, reduce carbon levels locally and improve the environment.

More than 136 applications were submitted and 40 projects have been awarded grant funding.

Among them are the ‘Greener Langford Budville Climate Survey’ and solar panels, battery and energy lighting for West Buckland.

Cllr Fothergill said: “As a county council we’re committed to doing our bit to tackle climate change by making the way we deliver services more efficient, but we can have a far greater impact by encouraging people in our communities and local organisations to change their own behaviours. That’s why the Somerset Climate Emergency Community Fund is so important.

“Action is needed now. If we do not act decisively, the impacts of climate change across Somerset will be considerable – we all have a role to play in tackling the climate emergency.”

Cllr Clare Paul, cabinet member for public health and well-being and climate change, said: “I’m delighted to see so many great applications for interesting and innovative projects, with communities coming together to help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment and enhance people’s enjoyment of our beautiful county.

“By working together, we can make a real and lasting impact and inspire others around us to take action on climate change. The message is – please join us in making this happen.”