More than a quarter of a million pounds has been granted to 34 communities across central southern England by an energy provider.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, which covers Oxfordshire, has delivered £257,000 through its Resilient Communities Fund.

The awards, ranging from £1,250 to more than £28,000, have been handed to non-profit organisations, community groups and charities throughout the region, aimed at bolstering resilience and protecting the vulnerable.

The recipients were selected by a panel comprising experts specialising in community resilience planning who studied and considered all the applications.

The focus of these grants is to improve community services and facilities, ensure effective communication, and protect the welfare of the most vulnerable, particularly during emergencies such as prolonged power outages.

Director of customer operations, Eliane Algaard, said: "It’s heartening to see so many groups awarded in this most recent and last round of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' Resilient Communities Fund.

"Their successful applications have secured vital funding for their local communities and the vulnerable residents within them.

"No matter how large or small the award, each and every one of these groups has carefully looked at what will benefit their communities most.

"I’m delighted to see the variety, scope and individuality of their awards, and how Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is helping bring those projects to life; empowering communities and supporting them to become more resilient now and for many years to come."