PEOPLE in part of Hartlepool are being urged to dip into a cash pool to help small projects.

The Owton Rossmere Community Chest can give grants of up to £2,500 towards small community initiatives which improve the quality of life for residents in the Owton Rossmere and Seaton Grange areas.

It can also offer up to £100 to help individuals living in the area to pursue personal goals.

Some of the groups which have benefited from grants in the past include Maxwell Court Social Club, which received more than £1,500 to buy a public address system and a fridge freezer.

Hartlepool Flamingoes youth jazz band received a grant from the chest for £855, to help replace some of its old, worn instruments and to buy new uniforms.

The Community Chest is funded by the Owton Rossmere Partnership, which is using Single Regeneration Budget money from the government to revitalise the Owton and Rossmere areas.

The chest is administered by Owton Rossmere Community Enterprise Ltd (Orecel).

Keith Moyle, of Orcel, said: "The Community Chest can offer a really valuable helping hand to both community groups and individuals, and it can make a real difference in getting projects off the ground.

"This is the last year the community chest will run. Although it has been very well used in the past, I am sure there are still people out there who have not yet benefited from it, and I urge them to give us a call to find out more."

For details of applying for a grant contact Mr Moyle on (01429) 288123.