The guardians of two beauty spots are in seventh heaven after receiving a funding boost from Whitehill Town Council.

The council has agreed to increase the fee it pays to Deadwater Valley Trust (DVT) for the management of the nature reserve and the Bordon Inclosure by seven per cent.

The decision, coupled with a further one-off payment, effectively means the DVT will receive ten per cent more in fees from the council over the next financial year.

The DVT will receive close to £100,000 in fees, with £44,247 and £54,065 going to the Inclosure and Nature Reserve, respectively.

Nora Dobson, chair of the Deadwater Valley Trust, said her group is very appreciative of the continuing support from the town council.

She added: “Through the generous funding awarded this year the Trust can continue with the important work of managing the Deadwater Local Nature Reserve and Bordon Inclosure sites, for the benefit of the town’s residents.”

Cllr Linda Delve, chair of the Whitehill Town Council greenspaces sub-committee, was delighted the payment increase was signed off following a review of the Service Level Agreement.

She added: “The Trust and volunteers work extremely hard to maintain our green spaces – their knowledge and enthusiasm for local events is also very much appreciated.”

Town council leader, Cllr Andy Tree, said WTC is grateful to the Deadwater Valley Trust’s staff and volunteers for their contribution, and claimed the increase was made possible because of a “strong budget and financial astuteness” at his organisation.