Upton and Lytchett Minster aim to put their communities on the map after receiving a major financial boost.

Following a consultation of the 8,000 residents, 31 project schemes were put forward in a successful lottery application, which bagged £348,000.

Now a full-time action co-ordinator, Francoise Griffin, has been appointed for the project, which arose from the Plan for Upton and Lytchett Minster group.

“All ages were consulted and some 31 project schemes put forward in a successful lottery application called ‘On the Edge’ because the community is on the border between the Borough of Poole and Purbeck District,” said Francoise.

The funding will allow a range of exciting projects for the community, ranging from holiday activities for primary age children to mobility scooter training for elderly residents.

It will enable an annual community fair, farmers’ markets, improvement of Upton Trailway, credit union collection point and various cycling groups as well as projects aimed specifically at young people.

Volunteers will also work on improving communication within the community and establishing a more effective identity for the town.

“The Big Lottery is funding ‘On the Edge’ over three years,” said Francoise.

“By then, Upton and Lytchett Minster will have a place on the map in its own right and not just be defined, as it is today, by being on the edge of Poole and just inside Purbeck.

“It has a larger population than nearby Wareham, yet has no high street, natural town centre or even a café,” she added.

• Anyone interested in volunteering to help the project or wanting more information can contact Francoise on 01202 280942.