Communty groups have eight weeks to apply for a £55,000 fund to help run projects which benefit the whole community.

Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available, which are being administered by the district council and Community Central.

Council cabinet member Brian Ellis said: “We are committed to helping voluntary and community groups deliver projects in our district.

“Every year we offer this financial aid to groups who do so much valuable and important work to support people in difficulty. Our community fund has benefitted hundreds of people across the district and we want that success to continue.

“There will be a launch event where groups can find out how to apply for a grant and I urge anyone interested to come along.”

The deadline to apply is Monday, July 2. To book a place at the launch event or download an application form visit www.communitycentral.org.uk