THOUSANDS of pounds has been handed out to projects around Winchester by the city council following a Dragons' Den style competition.

The WINnovation awards at Marwell Hotel saw £12,000 given to local initiatives after a panel of 'dragons' heard pitches from 17 voluntary and community groups.

The event, which was co-funded by Winchester City Council and Tent on the Green, with support from Community First Winchester, saw eight organisations shortlisted to pitch to a panel of people from a variety of community interest backgrounds.

The winners were Bespoke Biking, who won £4,000.

The social enterprise encourages everyone to cycle, offering cycle rides and training, bikes for hire plus a bike workshop which provides cycle servicing and repairs and refurbishes and upcycles abandoned or donated bikes.

Director of Bespoke Biking, Heather Evans, said: “We are really thrilled to have received this sum of money from the WINnovation fund. But to be awarded the winner among all these great projects was amazing.

“We are so grateful, as we have just moved into our own shop in The Brooks so our costs have increased. We hope we can build a great social enterprise that reaches out, offers affordable bike repairs and helps the community cycle more. This money will help us do this.”

Cllr Steve Miller, portfolio holder for estates and community grants said: "WINnovation is one of the many ways we award our grant monies throughout the year. At this unique event, local voluntary organisations are able to walk away with their grants on the night.

“The event offers organisations the opportunity to network throughout the evening and learn about other group activities in our district. Our congratulations to everyone who pitched at the event and particularly to Bespoke Biking.”

Steve Abley, director of Burn 24-7 and Tent on the Green said: “This type of face-to-face event is so exciting to be involved in.

“Not only do we get the chance to hear of the incredible work that volunteer groups and small charities are doing, but we also experience first-hand their dedication and are able to help them develop their vision.

“Both Burn 24-7 and Tent on the Green are involved in setting up a new charity called the King’s City Fund to enable the city council to increase and extend the scope of its grant provision.”

Winchester City Council’s next round of funding is now available and applications are invited from local voluntary and community groups, who can apply for up to £3,000 for a one-off activity, a new piece of equipment, a special project or community activity.