COMMUNITY and voluntary groups are being invited to apply for a share of £60,000.

Groups based, or active in, Coatham, Dormanstown, Kirkleatham and Newcomen can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 from the West Redcar Community Chest. Grants are also available to individuals in pursuit of sporting or cultural excellence.

Grants awarded last year include £491.33 to Kirkleatham Almshouses Residents' Association for new tables, £848.50 to Brendan O'Brien towards accommodation and transport costs for the World Over-17 Tumbling Championships and £1,000 to Breathercise Redcar and District to provide exercise equipment.

The Community Chest is funded by the area's Single Regeneration Budget, through regional development agency One NorthEast, and managed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. For details, call Laura Ellison on (01642) 444281.