Schools, cultural associations and sports clubs across the British bases areas in Cyprus will benefit from a €50,000 grant distributed by the bases under the annual Cyprus community relations fund.

The funding supports grassroots projects in both Dhekelia and Akrotiri, with the money earmarked for school equipment such as laptops, projectors and outdoor games, as well as cultural and sporting needs.

Local associations will use the grants to buy traditional costumes, musical instruments and sports gear.

The announcement was made during farewell events for former bases’ administrator Peter Squires, where community leaders gathered at both ends of the island to mark his departure and celebrate continued cooperation.

Speaking at the Dhekelia gathering, area officer George Kiteos praised the close partnership with local residents.

“Your presence here is a great pleasure and really shows the close and excellent cooperation that we have established,” he said. “We… will continue to support our local communities financially and in any other way we can.”

His counterpart in Akrotiri, Nicos Mylonas, echoed the sentiment.

“This chance to meet in a spirit of friendship reflects the strong relations and cooperation between our local communities,” he said. “We are confident that these will grow even stronger.”

The base areas remain a key strategic location for the UK.

Around 1,500 local Cypriots are employed across the bases, either directly or through contracts.