Money to youth sports clubs made up three of just four grants given out by Helston Town Council last week.

Swallows of Helston gymnastics club, Sithney Cornish Wrestling Club and One and All Judo Club all received £500, with a further £500 going to Helston & District Carers Group.

Councillors were unanimous in their support of Swallows, after hearing earlier in the meeting from trustee Gary Wheat that the club was “struggling” financially.

After coaching the youth of Helston and the surrounding area for the last 30 years, recent financial cuts had hit them hard and the building was now “in desperate need” of repairs, in particular to the roof following the recent bad weather.

The club has 350 members, from aged three through to adults.

Following the grant decision, Mr Wheat said: “It was fantastic to see the amount of support we received from all members of the town council at the town meeting. On behalf of all the staff and gymnasts of Swallows, I would like to thank the Helston Town Council for their financial assistance.”

A representative of Sithney Cornish Wrestling Club also spoke at the meeting, asking in particular for help towards buying trophies for the annual competition it stages in the Sunken Garden every Helston Harvest Fair.

In support, mayor Jonathan Radford-Gaby said: “Nothing is better than getting young people off their backsides and doing something physical. It’s a club that is very well supported by residents of this town and the young people obviously love it.”

Members heard the One and All Judo Club, which runs out of the Epworth Hall every Wednesday evening, taught children aged five through to adults – including one Olympic hopeful.

A spokesperson said: “Any funds we can gain from the grant application would be very much appreciated, to help us move forward and get the kids hopefully to national standard.”

Although there was no representative of Helston & District Carers Group the councillors unanimously backed a grant, with councillor Martine Knight saying: “This organisation does enormously good work for the people in our town that possibly have one of the most difficult jobs in this country – caring for people that the state can’t or won’t care for.”

No grants were awarded this time to Arthritis Research UK, Cornwall Animal Hospital Charity and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, due to members feeling they did not fit the grant criteria of being a specific application for a specific project to benefit people of the town.

There was, however, a split in the council over support of the air ambulance, as some members believed a grant should be given – Mr Radford-Gaby pointing out: “It was less than a year ago that one of our members had the air ambulance pretty much to thank for being alive now; councillor David Swift.”

However, councillor Ronnie Williams said there was a “limited amount of money” and that while there was no question about its good work, the charity was well supported throughout the county.

A proposal of support failed in a majority vote.