TWO Wye Valley community projects have welcomed almost £46,000 from National Grid.

Walford Primary School will use its £38,000 donation to build an eco log cabin while Goodrich Village Hall plans to spend £7,950 transforming the hall into a 'no cost – low cost' building for the future.

The village hall trust is looking to get new insulation, install solar panels to help reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions, and provide free broadband for hall users.

Project co-ordinator, Michael Ellis explained: "When we applied for the grant we had no idea that it might create a spark of interest, so when we heard news of the successful application the atmosphere at the committee meeting was electrifying.

"It's great to know the PV panels can be fused with the current technologies while also helping to insulate us from rising fossil fuel costs.

"With regards to our energy future, we are currently looking at the Tesla battery which has the ability to store off peak electricity during the night, to be used during the daytime."

Walford Primary aim to use the cabin as an outdoor classroom which at night will become an Apple training room where parents can brush up on their computer skills.

Headteacher Louise George said: "We're passionate about promoting collaboration and leadership skills across the whole school. Using their impressive computing skills to create a film in support of our school bid for community funding our fantastic pupils in Key Stage Two have shown just what can be achieved when everyone works together, demonstrating great resilience in making our dreams and aspirations become a reality.

"On behalf of the children, staff, parents and governors, I would like to thank National Grid for their very generous donation towards our goal of enhancing outdoor learning with a science and environmental log cabin."