'Bridgerton' film studio supports local charities

Shepperton Studios chose to award a grant to Ashford Youth Club

The Surrey film studio behind Netflix's Bridgerton and The Crown has handed out funding to Spelthorne community groups.

Shepperton Studios' community fund awarded disabled access group Staines Shopmobility and Ashford Youth and Community Club grants.

The twice-yearly grants have so far supported 19 charities across the Spelthorne borough.

The £500,000 Fund was launched in 2022 to support local individuals, non-profit and voluntary organisations including charities

Ashford Youth Club, which supports more than 130 young people a week, will use the funds towards its new arts programme.

Youth club user Jessica said: “We are really looking forward to the different arts that we can have at the youth club from this funding.

"It will introduce us to amazing ideas and new experiences."

Shepperton Studios became the second largest film studio in the world after a 2022 expansion

Volunteer group Staines Shopmobility aims to use the funding to further improve access and facilities for disabled people in Spelthorne.

Shepperton Studios, which became the world's second largest film studio in 2022, works with The Community Foundation for Surrey to pick causes to support.

Since launching the fund, they have so far awarded 19 grants to local organisations.

Part of Pinewood Studios, the 31-stage film lot is where series four of Netflix's Bridgerton is filmed.

Other hits recently filmed at the studios include 1917, the Matilda musical adaptation and Mary Poppins Returns.