Three parks in the Forest of Dean are set to receive a significant cash boost from a government fund.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have announced three parks in the district have been successful in grant applications that total more than £40,000.

The money will be put to a variety of uses: From making improvements to play areas in Alvington, to the refurbishment of Victorian memorial gardens in Lydney.

The three organisations to receive the Pocket Parks Plus funding are the Avington Parish Council, Bathurst Park and Recreation Trust, Lydney.

In Alvington just short of £20,000 has been earmarked for improvements to two play areas that had seen play equipment removed for health and safety reasons.

Climbing frames, climbing ropes, slides and rope bridges for under-eights will be installed at Garlands Road playpark.

While at Alvington Sports field, money will be used to upgrade equipment to be used by older children in the village.

Councillor Lisa Chidley from Alvington Parish Council said: It's a substantial investment in the village, which we have been working towards for some time; we are delighted to receive such generous funding."

In Lydney, the town council has been acting as custodian trustee on results of a 2014 consultation which highlighted the fondness the town's residents had for the Victorian Bathurst Park.

Funding of £24.450 has been given that will see the third phase of improvement works at the park, which will lead to the enclosure of the formal Victorian Memorial Gardens.

Harry Ives, chair Bathurst Park and Recreation Trust chair said, "This is brilliant news.

"Following construction of our beautiful archway and the removal of decayed railings, this award now allows us to complete our planned improvements to Bathurst Park.

"Enclosing the memorial gardens, water feature and bandstand area provides protection from vandalism whilst improving the Victorian aesthetic."

Cllr Chris McFarling, Cabinet Member for Environment, Wildlife, Heritage and Culture, Forest of Dean District Council, added: "This is a real testament to the hard work of those involved, and the way that councils can work together to help improve the community.

"It is also a great example of how consultation can deliver what really matters to people.

"These are community assets that make a real difference to our residents and that's been recognised with these grants."

"The funds will be made available to Forest of Dean District Council, which will act as the accountable body in overseeing the distribution of the funds and the evaluation of their use."