COMMUNITY groups are being urged to apply for grants of up to £25,000.

The Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit will provide the money, with priority given to groups that do not have access to European funding.

It has acquired £250,000 from a European regional development fund and will hand out grants on a first-come, first-served basis.

The first successful projects will be announced in August.

To apply, call (01642) 264857.