Both projects received thousands of votes with Surf Action coming out on top. But all was not lost for the bid from The Furry Café in Helston who were offered the bonus award for polling so many votes.

Surf Action will receive over £49,000 to provide surfing courses for military veterans in Cornwall. Surfing can be used to help people suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The project will also run courses for other veterans, amputees and their families, as well as social activities.

The Furry Café in Helston will receive almost £47,000 for a café to be designed and operated by young people from the area as a social enterprise. It is intended that the cafe will provide a creative and reflective meeting space, to be used by young people, to socialise or develop enterprise and workplace skills. There are presently very few facilities for young people in the area.

Leader of Cornwall Council Alec Robertson said: “This is an amazing achievement for both the young people of Helston who will benefit from the Furry Café and the military veterans who will benefit from the courses offered by Surf Action. I am pleased that Cornwall Council could offer both projects its support. Thanks to all those involved for their hard work and dedication and I look forward to witnessing both projects first hand.”