GOOD causes are invited to apply for financial aid from a town's civic lottery fund - after the maximum grant was increased.

The grants committee at Hartlepool Borough Council agreed to increase the amount available from £500 to £2,000 after being asked to consider the future of the fund.

The Civic Lottery ran from 1977 to 1982 and grants are paid out from the interest generated on the fund's balance, which was £411,000 at the end of March.

The committee heard that administration of the fund took up a disproportionate amount of time, but members rejected the fund's closure and a re-distribution of the money for projects, including the repair and maintenance of the town's civic regalia.

They decided to increase the amount of grant payable and encourage applications

Applications must be for leisure, recreational or environmental projects. Applicants can be organisations or individuals, supported by a club or organisation, and charitable organisations also qualify for assistance.

For information on the funding, contact Jo Wilson on 01429-523568.