A TOWN is hoping small change will make a big difference to community facilities in 2003.

Councillor Stuart Parsons, the Mayor of Richmond, will launch the Coins for the Community scheme week as part of the Richmond Pride campaign, which he spearheads.

A collecting bin is to be provided at the town hall from Monday, where visitors are asked to deposit change.

Money raised will go to improve community facilities in the town, including disabled access and heating at the town hall and new facilities, such as a community office in Dundas Street.

He said: "I collect all my small change and usually manage to collect about £200 a year, which I then donate to charity. Imagine if the whole town were to do likewise."

He chose the community facilities fund as one of his charities for his mayoral year and hopes it will become a long-term project.

"It would benefit the whole community and would be easy for those unable to make major donations," he said.

Coun Parsons also launched a competition to design a logo for the Investors in Richmond awards.

The logo will be used on certificates and plaques.

To enter, send a design to the town hall by February 28.