LOCAL groups in County Durham are being urged to apply for grants up to £1,500.

Durham County Council's Small Projects Fund was set up in 1990 to help local regeneration schemes in the county's east and west rural priority areas, helping more than 400 schemes.

The deadline for funding in this financial year is Friday February 22. Applications are particularly welcome from groups that have not received funding before or are starting new projects.

Projects costing up to £2,500 can get up to £1,000 or 50 per cent of the total cost, whichever is the lesser. Projects between £2,500 and £10,000 are eligible for £1,500 or 50 per cent, whichever is the lesser.

For details, call Kirstie Dennis on 0191-383 4355.

Council cabinet member Bob Pendlebury said: "The Small Projects Fund has been a valuable resource to people in rural parts of the county by supporting local projects.

"I hope they will be continue to benefit from this important funding in future.''

Projects costing up to £2,500 can get up to £1,000 or 50 per cent of the total cost, whichever is the lesser.

Projects between £2,500 and £10,000 are eligible for £1,500 or 50 per cent, whichever is the lesser.

Applications for projects in the financial year starting in April can be submitted at any time.

The cost of street parties or decorations for Queen's Jubilee celebrations are not eligible.

For information about the fund call Kirstie Dennis on 0191-383 4355.